Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has commented on links to Chelsea’s Dominic Solanke.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told STV that he thinks Chelsea striker Dominic Solanke is a ‘fantastic talent’ amid speculation surrounding a move to Glasgow.
The Bhoys may lose star striker Moussa Dembele this summer after a stunning season, and whilst Rodgers does have Leigh Griffiths at his disposal, another striker could be targeted by the Bhoys.
Recent speculation from the Daily Record claimed that Celtic were edging closer to a deal for Chelsea striker Dominic Solanke, in a deal reminiscent of Dembele’s move to Celtic Park last summer.
Solanke is out of contract this summer, just as Dembele was with Fulham, and cross-border contract rules mean that Celtic can sign players under the age of 23 for a fraction of the compensation that English clubs would have to pay.
Having benefited from that rule with their move to sign Dembele, Celtic could look to do it again, with Solanke a sensible target for the Bhoys this summer.
Dominic Solanke
Solanke, 19, has been on the books with Chelsea for over yen years, with Rodgers well aware of the youngster having worked with him at Stamford Bridge, and he hit seven goals in 26 games on loan with Vitesse Arnhem last season.
With only one first-team appearances with Chelsea to his name, Solanke could look to leave for more playing time, with Celtic boss Rodgers asked about the situation today.
Manchester City Tosin Adarabioyo in action with Chelsea’s Dominic Solanke
Rodgers told STV that he knows Solanke well from their time at Chelsea, and whilst he is a ‘fantastic talent’, there is nothing to add to reports that the Bhoys are edging towards a deal for the striker.
“[There’s] nothing much other than I know Dominic well,” said Rodgers. “I took Dominic into Chelsea when he was eight years of age. When I was academy director at Reading I left to go to Chelsea back in 2004 and at that time Dominic was one of the first young players I took in. He worked at the development centres at Reading and when I moved to Chelsea we took him in.”
“I’m delighted for him and the career that he’s had up until now as a young player. He’s a fantastic talent but [I can say] no more that. I only speak on him because I know the player. He’s a big talent and it’s unfortunate that he’s maybe not going to renew his contract at Chelsea because it’s a great club but he obviously deems that his future lies elsewhere. Apart from that, nothing else to add. I can see where there’s maybe a connection with him but nothing more than that,” he added.
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