Ex-Rangers chief puts together ‘huge financial package’ to sign Celtic star after agreement reached
Brendan Rodgers wants to sign Callum McGregor, just days after he was confirmed as the new Al Qadsiah manager in Saudi Arabia.
The former Hoops boss was linked with numerous Premier League clubs after his resignation from Celtic Park in October 2025.
However, an agreement was reached on Tuesday for Rodgers to become the manager of AL Qadsiah, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Now, the former Liverpool and Leicester boss has wasted no time in identify targets, as he looks to bring McGregor to the Middle East.
Brendan Rodgers has instructed Al Qadsiah to prepare huge package to sign Callum McGregor
Despite Celtic’s abysmal form in recent games, McGregor has been one of the few highlights for the Hoops.
The captain has continued to perform at a decent level, as the Old Firm side look to turn their season around under Wilfried Nancy.
However, according to the Scottish Sun on 19 December, the midfielder could soon leave Celtic Park.
- McGregor came through Celtic’s academy after joining the side in 2001
- After breaking into the first-team, he has since made 547 appearances for the Glaswegians
- McGregor was made captain in 2021 after Scott Brown’s departure
Rodgers has requested that former Rangers chief James Bisgrove, now chief executive at Al Qadsiah, put together a “huge financial package” to try to tempt Celtic and McGregor to part ways.
McGregor was previously expected to finish his career at Celtic, with a testimonial a certainty.
However, it could be a tricky task for the Northern Ireland manager to pull off the signing, with Celtic set to fight hard to keep their captain.
Congratulations to Callum McGregor, winner of the November @SPFL Goal of the Month for his stunning strike against St Mirren ⚽️
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 5, 2025
Well deserved, Callum! 🤩
#CelticFC🍀 https://t.co/qSRGNFMi3C pic.twitter.com/XtQLXOYX1C
Given the form under Nancy at Celtic Park, the Old Firm outfit are unlikely to sell McGregor amid a crisis.
Another obstacle is the fact that Al Qadsiah are already at its limit for foreign players at 10. Therefore, Rodgers would need to sell or de-register one in January or in the summer.
Celtic set for a dire January transfer window
As it stands, things look grim at Celtic.
Reports have suggested that Celtic may be reluctant to inject cash into the January window amid the ongoing pressure surrounding Nancy.
This, combined with the fact that McGregor could be sold, and fans could be set for a dire transfer window.
It remains to be seen what will happen, but with supporters already angry, the loss of the captain could be the move that completely ends any hope of retaining the Scottish Premiership title this season.