Everything in Glasgow had seemed to be heading toward a transfer.
When his contract was about to expire in the summer, Celtic rookie Rocco Vata appeared certain to be heading out of Parkhead. Italian clubs have been expressing interest; Bologna was the first to surface as a possible suitor, and Serie B team Como FC also made an offer.
Although the Hoops were expected to get less than £350,000 in compensation, they first granted Vata clearance to depart this month despite apparently rejecting many bids for him during the summer transfer season. Now, though, things appear to be changing at Parkhead as a result of events on Wednesday.
Anthony Joseph, a journalist for Sky Sports, provided an update on Rocca Vata and claimed that Celtic had started contract negotiations with the Irishman. The goal of the Hoops’ conversations with the player’s agency, CAA Base, is to persuade him to remain in Glasgow.
As long as he’s shown the “right pathway” to Brendan Rodgers’ starting lineup, Vata is “believed to be keen” about staying with the team. Therefore, it remains to be seen if the negotiations result in what is wanted.
The fact that the Vata camp is at least open to having new discussions is encouraging for Celtic. This season, while playing for the club’s b-team in the Lowlands League, the 18-year-old, who can play as a striker, winger, or number 10, showed off his potential by scoring 12 goals in 15 games. In addition, he’s becoming rather popular abroad. In September, he made his debut for Ireland’s under-21 team and scored two goals.
Vata was given a start by Rodgers last Saturday when Celtic played their Scottish Cup return match against Buckie Thistle of the Highland League, possibly indicating that progress had been made behind the scenes. In a convincing 5-0 victory, the 18-year-old took advantage of the situation to score his first goal for the team.
According to talent scout Jacek Kulig, he’s displaying “exciting” potential at every level, and if Celtic lose him, they might come to regret it. Vata needs to be given a path, as previously mentioned, and that may include additional chances in the Scottish Premiership. Despite his potential, he hasn’t even been included in the league matchday roster this year.
Bologna’s interest in Vata was said to be able to facilitate the signing of Sydney van Hooijdonk, the team’s striker, as Rodgers looks to bolster his center-forward position before the transfer window closes. Vata’s removal from consideration may possibly undo that decision, but the goal is that in a few years the young player will perform to such a high caliber that Van Hooijdonk is finally forgotten.
This might turn out to be one of the most significant commercial decisions Celtic makes this month, despite the fact that it isn’t a fresh face and might not inspire the same amount of enthusiasm.
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