Jamie Vardy has been linked with Celtic following his departure from Leicester City earlier this summer.
With Celtic facing a crucial Champions League play-off tie against Kairat Almaty at home on Wednesday night, the speculation has taken on greater significance.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s first leg at Celtic Park speaking to CeltsAreHere, Rodgers was asked directly about the Vardy speculation. Given their time together at Leicester, where they won the FA Cup and Community Shield, it was always going to come up. But Rodgers kept things tight, neither ruling the move out nor giving anything away.
He made it clear that while he respects Vardy and what they achieved together, he’s not about to start naming names with such an important tie on the horizon. Celtic’s focus, he said, is fully on the job at hand against Kairat Almaty, not on transfer rumours.
With the European tie fast approaching and planning well underway, Rodgers struck a careful balance. He kept the spotlight on the current squad rather than getting drawn into any talk about potential signings.
He said: “Listen, I would not speak about any individual player.
“Of course, I worked really well with Jamie. He was brilliant for me in my time at Leicester.
“So, but no, there’s been so many names floated about, so I wouldn’t disclose anyone.”
Rodgers’ decision not to mention Vardy shows he wants the team fully focused at a key point in the season. Still, the way he spoke about the former England striker clearly reflects the respect built from their time working together.
If Vardy were to join Celtic, a lot would need to fall into place, like timing, how he’d fit into the squad, the cost, and what he’s looking for at 38. The club would need to weigh all that up carefully with the transfer window nearing its end.
Right now, Rodgers has made it clear the main focus is on Wednesday’s match. He praised the club’s staff for how they’ve handled the travel plans for the long 9,000-mile journey to Kazakhstan next Tuesday. Getting things right off the pitch will matter just as much as getting it right on it.
