Celtic set to sign McGregor replacement for ‘£3m’ after star’s confession
Brendan Rodgers has identified Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj as an ideal successor to Callum McGregor at Celtic, sources have told Football Insider.
Central midfield will be one of Celtic’s prority positions in need of strengthening this summer with long-time captain McGregor turning 32 in June, and a big drop-off in quality whenever he’s not in the side.
Celtic see Rexhbecaj as a player who would improve the engine room at Parkhead, and with the Kosovan out of contract in 2026, could make their move this summer with a view to beating the competition.
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider urged Celtic to complete a deal for the £8m-rated Lennon Miller from Motherwell as soon as possible, but Rexhbecaj is a far more affordable option.
Sources have told Football Insider that Rexhbecaj could be available for a bargain this summer if Augbsurg decide to cash in, with Celtic likely to succeed with a cut-price bid of roughly £3–3.5million.
However, Rexhbecaj said whilst on international duty just last week that he’s happy at Augsburg and has no real plans to leave, potentially complicating Celtic’s pursuit to sign the 27-year-old this summer.
Rexhbecaj transfer to get green light despite Augsburg admission
While Rexhbecaj has made clear that he has no ambition of leaving Ausburg any time soon, the German side may choose to cash in on the Kosovan this summer as he nears the last 12 months of his contract.
Augsburg currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga table and just three points outside the European places, and if they do qualify to play on the continent next season, Rexhbecaj’s future will be under scrutiny.
Competing on multiple fronts will leave Augsburg in need of more midfield squad depth, potentially ensuring that Rexhbecaj stays put, but could also result in the former Wolfsburg man being forced out.
Former Man City financial advisor Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that Celtic are set for a £45m Champions Leagie windfall next term, making Rexhbecaj’s price tag one they can easily afford.
Celtic line up significant summer transfer outlay
While Rodgers will be in no mood to outright replace the still-influential McGregor at Celtic Park just yet, a player of Rexhbecaj’s quality will undoubtedly appeal to the Northern Irishman as he looks to rebuild.
Football Insider revealed on 28 March that a return to Celtic for Kyogo Furuhashi is off the cards, and while Kieran Tierney is on his way back to Glasgow, Rodgers is clearly in no mood for sentimentality.
Rexhbecaj could prove to be the perfect successor to McGregor in the Hoops’ midfield going forward, and though he’s keen to stay at Augsburg, Celtic have all they need to force his hand this summer.
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