Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers wanted to sign Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez two years ago when he was in charge of Liverpool.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
A report in the Birmingham Mail has suggested that Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez is growing tired of being a fringe player at St Mary’s. And if that is the case, then perhaps Brendan Rodgers should look to reignite the interest he showed in him two years ago, and try and bring him to Celtic on loan.
Rodgers, in charge of Liverpool at the time, hoped to land Rodriguez after his bright, but also injury-plagued start to life in the Premier League (via Daily Mirror).
That interest may have come to nothing – the Mirror suggested that he was rated at £20 million at the time – but perhaps his apparent discontent on the south coast (via Mail) leaves the path clear for a much better deal if Rodgers’ current side made a loan swoop.
Other teams may perhaps be able to offer the kind of fee the Saints would look for if they decided to cash in, but Claude Puel may be reluctant about letting the former Burnley man join a Premier League rival, so news of the Hoops’ interest may appeal to the Frenchman.
Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez
Joining Celtic for a season may present Rodriguez with the perfect opportunity to build his confidence up after a difficult time at St Mary’s.
And while he may prefer to stay in England, there are surely some appealing factors that would make a move to Parkhead a slightly more attractive one.
Rodgers has made a tremendous impression on a number of players who were previously written off – the likes of Stuart Armstrong and James Forrest – and scoring regularly would surely send the perfect message to Puel.
Plus, a move to Celtic may hand Rodriguez the chance to feature in the Champions League, which some of the teams potentially interested in signing him will surely not be able to offer.
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