Callum McGregor faces ‘tempting’ Celtic exit offer from Brendan Rodgers as Saudi chiefs grant mega cash wish
The Parkhead skipper has been touted with a Rodgers’ reunion in the Middle East
08:06, 12 May 2026Updated 12:55, 12 May 2026
(Image: Getty Images)
Celtic skipper Callum McGregor faces a “big decision” on his future with “tempting” money set to be put on the table by Brendan Rodgers in Saudi.
Reports have suggested that the Irishman wants Al-Qadsiah to launch an ambitious bid to sign captain McGregor.
It would be the second time he’s tried to lure the 32-year-old away having made efforts to sign him for Leicester City in 2019 – and he now has the mega-money backing of the Saudi Pro League side.
Celtic are expected to fight to keep McGregor if a money-spinning offer from the Middle East does come his way as the midfielder has two years to run on his contract and is unlikely to be in a rush for leave.
Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh report that the club’s management have been told by Rodgers he would like to add more experience to his squad.
It is noted Al-Qadsiah are keen to support the Irishman in his “journey with the club” and support his “future plans for great stability and technical leadership” with a bumper budget set to be made available.
Club bosses are said to be impressed with his impact so far – having led them to fourth spot in the Saudi Pro League table and defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr last weekend.
Callum McGregor was left stunned by Brendan Rodgers’ exit(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Discussing McGregor’s impact this season during a disappointing campaign – which could still end with the skipper lifting the Premiership and Scottish Cup – Mulgrew told the Go Radio Football Show: “It’s not been Callum’s fault.
“He plays a part in it, Callum would admit that himself, but things haven’t been right at Celtic and he suffers as the captain on the pitch.
“But, he is still there every time. He is now playing with a knock, he is a top player. We talk about Rangers not having that leadership, and Martin O’Neill will know Callum is a big part of that at Celtic.”
Earlier this season, McGregor insisted he wants to stay at Celtic, but only if the club match his ambition.
And Mulgrew reckons that was a telling warning to the Parkhead higher-ups: “That money will be tempting [in Saudi]. If that is an offer for him that will be a big question that he needs to ask himself and think about.
“It’s a lot of money and he has done it all at Celtic. It’s just how you look at the game, I don’t know how money-orientated Callum is or how much he values his career at Celtic. It’s a big decision for him.
“I think as well for Callum, he has come out and said he wants the club to match his ambition.
“When a player starts saying that, you think he has one eye on ‘if you don’t want to show your ambition and continue on here, to win leagues and dominate’ – if they show that vision Callum will potentially be willing to stay.”
