Brendan Rodgers has appeared to call out football agents for influencing young players towards early exits, using Callum McGregor as the perfect example of why patience is key to making a breakthrough at Celtic.
The Celtic boss was speaking amid reports that 18-year-old striker Daniel Cummings is set to sign a pre-contract agreement with West Ham, moving south in a £300,000 cross-border deal.
When asked for an update on Cummings’ situation, Rodgers didn’t address the player directly but gave a strong message to academy players about the importance of trusting the club’s process rather than seeking immediate first-team football elsewhere.
Rodgers acknowledged the desire of young players to make the first team quickly but insisted that at a club the size of Celtic, only exceptional talents can make the jump at 17 or 18. [Celtic TV]
“I think the challenge here now for young players is patience. They want to be in the first team at 17 or 18. That’s difficult at a club like this here, unless you’re an incredibly special talent, but it doesn’t mean that you can never be.
“I’ve spent my career and my life developing young players, putting them in the team. Some have been ready, like Raheem Sterling at 17 years of age. He was ready. Physically, mentally, ability, everything.
“Then there’s been some other players, like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, that needed a wee bit more time. He gets his debut, and then he’s ready a bit later.
“It’s just about time. What young players need to have here is understanding that there’s a bit of patience needed. The captain of the club Callum McGregor is a perfect example.
“He was a young player coming through the system, had to take a loan away from here, and then at 21 he plays. Now on Sunday, he’s playing his 500th game. There’s no greater example. If you want to be patient and trust the club, you’ll get there.
“If you don’t, you might listen to your agent, who’s got a different agenda, that takes you away from here, and then you’ll go somewhere else.
“There’ll always be chances here for young players. One, if they have the ability. Two, if they have a bit of patience.”
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With Cummings set to leave, Rodgers’ comments serve as a clear message to other young players in the academy. He insists that if a player has the ability and patience, they will get opportunities at Celtic—but those who chase early exits may not get the development they expect.
With McGregor as proof of how trusting the process can lead to a legendary Celtic career, Rodgers has made it clear where he stands on young players looking for quick moves away.
