Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor tries to cross the ball. (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Leicester City are willing to make a second attempt to sign Celtic star Callum McGregor in the summer. The report suggests that the Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers tried to sign him last summer but will make another bid for him this time. Leicester are planning for life after James Maddison.
Despite starting the season on a high note, the Midlands club have claimed a victory in just one of their last 6 Premier League games. The 0-1 loss to Manchester City at the weekend has put them seven points behind Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, they are still in the race for a finish in the Champions League spot and the manager has to make sure that he has a full-strength team to compete in Europe next season. Jamie Vardy has been brilliant for the Foxes and he will need support from the midfielders to score a lot more.
James Maddison and Bartosz Kapustka are the only attacking midfielders available at the manager’s disposal. The Englishman is constantly being linked with a move away from the club in the summer and a huge void would have to be filled if he leaves.
On the other hand, Kapustka has missed more than half a year of action due to injury. He has just returned and is yet to feature in a Premier League game. Hence, the manager should bring in a creative player who can construct their play in the absence of Maddison. And Celtic star Callum McGregor would be a perfect fit.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a key member under Neil Lennon, featuring in 46 games for the club this season. In 28 league games, he has scored and assisted 7 each and is one of the main reasons for Celtic’s impressive run.
The Scottish international had previously worked with Rodgers when the manager was the helm in Celtic Park. This partnership could also help Leicester in the future. McGregor has been excellent in the last five seasons for the Glasgow-based team.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the Celtic youth product is also capable of playing in a deep-lying role. He has developed himself into a box-to-box midfielder and his versatile nature of play could help him contribute immensely to the Foxes.
Since making his debut for Scotland in November 2017, McGregor has been capped 19 times for his nation. His experience at a higher level would also allow him to settle easily to the conditions of the Premier League.
At 26, this would be the right time for McGregor to make his mark in English football and Leicester can enjoy his brilliance if they make a move for him.
Therefore, Rodgers must lure him to the King Power Stadium in the summer despite his new contract extension with the Hoops.
