Celtic are preparing to part ways with four young players this summer, as Joe Morrison, Alasdair Davidson, Lewis Dobbie, and Daniel Cummings are all set to leave the Hoops following the expiry of their contracts. [RecordSport]
Joe Morrison, a highly-rated young goalkeeper, made a huge step last season when he was named among the substitutes for Celtic’s UEFA Champions League squad. His progress continued with a loan spell at Stenhousemuir in League One this season, where he gained first-team experience. Despite this, Morrison is now seeking a new club to continue his development, with Celtic opting not to extend his deal.
Defender Alasdair Davidson, who featured regularly for Celtic B, will also move on. The centre-back made his international debut for Scotland U17s in October 2022 and went on to earn two caps at that level. Despite showing promise, particularly as a composed presence at the back, Davidson will not be retained by Celtic as they look to refresh the squad.
Forward Lewis Dobbie also exits the club after an eye-catching season with the B team. He scored 13 goals in 24 appearances, finding the net once every 124 minutes. Dobbie was involved in several competitions, including the UEFA Youth League and Challenge Cup, and produced a memorable moment in the 2023 Youth Cup final against Rangers by scoring with a backheel in a thrilling 6-5 victory. Despite his impact, Dobbie will not be offered a new contract.
Daniel Cummings, who made a surprise senior debut during Celtic’s Champions League game with Aston Villa earlier this year, is also on his way out. Cummings has featured in the first team squad but struggled in the Glasgow Cup final defeat to Rangers recently. The striker, listed as number 55 in Celtic’s squad, is expected to complete a move to English Premier League side West Ham United this summer, with a compensation fee of around £300,000 reportedly agreed.
These exits are part of a bigger shake-up in Celtic’s youth system, as the club looks at the next group of young players coming through. Even though players like Cummings were involved with the first team, including in Europe, Celtic seem focused on developing youngsters who can either break into the senior squad quickly or be sold for a good fee.
Some fans might be surprised to see talented players like Dobbie and Cummings leaving, especially after their standout moments. But Celtic have always aimed to keep high standards in their youth system and create a clear path for the best young players to progress.
