Celtic’s chances of signing Raheem Sterling revealed
Brendan Rodgers could be the pivotal factor in enticing Raheem Sterling to leave Chelsea for Celtic in a surprise move in the upcoming transfer windows.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 16 September that Sterling and Axel Disasi will remain at Chelsea until January as they plot to force a move away in the upcoming transfer window.
The pair are part of a “bomb squad” that have been casted out by Enzo Maresca with other suitors keeping a close eye on their movements.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Rodgers could be the vital component in attracting the 30-year-old to Glasgow after sources told Football Insider on 15 September that Rodgers and Celtic are trying to stop Daizen Maeda leaving the club.
The Blues flop has been touted as a possible replacement for the Japanese if he does decide to take himself away from Scotland.
Brendan Rodgers and Raheem Sterling Liverpool connection could be reignited
Sources told Football Insider on 14 September that Premier League and European clubs are monitoring Rodgers at Celtic after the Northern Irishman received little backing in the summer transfer window.
Despite winning the Scottish Premiership once again the former Leicester City boss saw little investment in marquee signings to reinforce their title defence.
Given his frustrations, a bold move to reunite the Bhoys manager with the ex-Liverpool academy graduate could qualm his anger with a move for the Englishman in January not off the table.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, it’s a bizarre link, obviously it may come from the past association between Brendan Rodgers and Raheem Sterling when they both worked together at Liverpool.
“Obviously Celtic had their struggles in the transfer market in this summer window not making as many signings as maybe the club’s fans wanted.
“Raheem Sterling is cast into the shadows at Chelsea right now training with the kids and not even part of the first-team squad.
“He did have maybe options to leave in the summer window but he decided not to take them and decided to remain at Chelsea.”
Raheem Sterling open to Celtic move to stay close to family
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Sterling changed his mind on leaving Chelsea to Saudi Arabia or Turkey in the summer as he cited family reasons for wanting to stay in the country.
The opportunity of moving to Scotland would appease his desire to stay within a comfortable distance of his family with Glasgow to London a short flight.
Having given the 30-year-old his breakout opportunity at Anfield, Rodgers could be the man to unlock the Englishman once again after a torrid loan spell at Arsenal last season.
Celtic’s budget means Sterling has to consider a pay cut from his current Chelsea contract to play elsewhere.
Otherwise, the number 30 could endure even more time rotting in the Blues reserves and risking his chance to make the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.