Callum McGregor focuses on future at Celtic despite transfer speculation
Callum McGregor says he wants to “build something special” with Martin O’Neill’s Celtic squad, despite ongoing speculation about the captain’s future at the club.
The 33-year-old midfielder has faced persistent rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia in recent months. Back in April, the former Scotland international emphasized his desire to remain at Parkhead while ensuring the club continues to progress.
Recent reports suggest McGregor has switched his representation to the agency that manages former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who currently leads Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. This change has fueled further rumors regarding his next steps, though McGregor remains focused on achieving more success under O’Neill.
Commenting on the return of O’Neill—who secured a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season—and his coaching staff, McGregor told club media: “All amazing guys who gave absolutely everything for the club and the cause last season.”
“Especially second time round, it would have been easy to stay away, and they took that challenge,” he added. “That tells you the type of people they are. They like a challenge, they face it head on. That’s exactly the way I am as well as a player and a person. So to see them back in the dugout and everybody back together gives that nice feeling that we can move forward and build something special.”
Meanwhile, tension between the Celtic support and the club’s board persists, with forward Camilo Duran serving as the only incoming signing during the current transfer window. Alongside McGregor, uncertainty remains regarding the futures of Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate.
Manager Martin O’Neill was reported as stating that McGregor “hasn’t hinted to me he wants to leave,” though he acknowledged that “money is a big thing, particularly when you’re past 30.”
Addressing his motivation after reaching 26 major trophies with last season’s double, the captain insisted he remains driven. “That’s the job of a Celtic player, that you don’t get tired of winning,” McGregor said.
“We have set ourselves an unbelievable standard over the last 14 or 15 years, being successful, winning numerous titles and trophies, and trying to push all the time in European football to be as good as we can be. And all that does is bring bigger expectations, a bigger target on your back, so you then have to work even harder to defend it.”
He added: “The players and the core group that have been here for a long time understand that and they have to drive that level. As a Celtic player you can never ever be bored of winning and trying to be the best that you can be, and trying to improve individually and collectively.”