Stefan Borson: This is how much Callum McGregor could earn after Saudi swoop
Celtic have plenty of decisions to make in the January transfer window as Wilfried Nancy looks to strengthen his squad.
Nancy is planning to make new signings following his tricky start in charge at Parkhead.
However, a concerning situation has emerged for the French boss after Hoops captain Callum McGregor has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Brendan Rodgers, who left his role as the Celtic manager in October, is believed to be keen on signing McGregor for Al-Qadsiah.
Rodgers was appointed as the Saudi Pro League club’s manager earlier this month.
Callum McGregor could take adavantage of Saudi tax benefits
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider McGregor could earn up to four times what he’s currently on at Celtic in Saudi Arabia.
The 32-year-old has spent his entire career with the Hoops, having made 547 appearances for the club.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the possibility of McGregor moving to Saudi, Borson said:“First of all, they’re on generally relatively low wages in Scotland, and then you’ve got the tax situation.
“I mean, that would not be a difficult deal to do. If the player wants to go and the fee is right for Celtic, that would not be a challenge for them. Put it that way.
“First of all, I don’t think the wages are as big as reported. If you listen to people, they explain they’re not.
“But I think they’re generally about two times what players have been getting in the UK, and then of course, it’s tax free. So, by the time you calculate what that is in your hand, it’s four times.”
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider he expects McGregor to complete a move to Saudi following Rodgers’s appointment.
Brendan Rodgers to make transfer move after McGregor latest
However, Borson revealed a potential tax issue for players moving to Saudi.
“You’ve got to stay out of the country for a period, and that’s where it falls down,” said Borson.
“It’s not that easy to move to Saudi for three or four years. I think it’s at least two years before you’re clear on the tax, so it’s not straightforward.
“But I’m sure from a wage perspective, it won’t be a challenge. I don’t know whether Rodgers’s style is going to be suitable for the climate there, but you can expect him to want some of his familiar faces around.”
McGregor spent five years playing under Rodgers during the Northern Irish manager’s two stints in Glasgow.
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