Lucas Leiva could reportedly join forces with Brendan Rodgers once again with Celtic interested in making a move for Liverpool’s out-of-contract midfielder.
Brendan Rodgers has already reunited with a number of his trusted lieutenants at Celtic Park, with Scott Sinclair and Dorus De Vries arriving in Glasgow last summer. However, while the duo were undisputed stars of his Championship play-off winning Swansea City team from 2011, his latest target was a far less central part of his plans.
The Daily Mail claims that Rodgers is keen on working with Lucas Leiva once again after spending three years together at Anfield. The newspaper adds that the Brazilian will be allowed to leave Anfield this summer when his contract expires.
The 30-year-old would certainly be an excellent addition on paper, despite the fact that Celtic are not exactly short of options in midfield. Lucas remains a pillar of consistency despite his reduced game-time at Liverpool, while he would arrive at Parkhead with a huge amount of European experience under his belt – something the rest of the squad is largely lacking.
Nonetheless, Lucas was far from an integral member of Rodgers starting XI at Liverpool. The midfielder told the Liverpool Echo that he was close to leaving the club in the summer of 2015 due to his lack of opportunities.
‘Absolutely incredible’
On average, he started just 20 Premier League games a season during the Northern Irishman’s tenure.
Yet, that’s not to say Rodgers is not a fan.
“I’ve got to say Lucas has been absolutely incredible in his attitude,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.
“He has made it known to me that he just wants to help whenever he’s called upon – whether it’s for one minute or 90 minutes he will be ready.”
With Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong, Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor, Nir Bitton and Eboue Kouassi to choose from, Lucas would be far from an automatic starter under Rodgers at Celtic either.
Yet, it may be his ‘incredible attitude’ and his willingness to be an essential squad player that could be the driving force behind an eye-catching summer deal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
