OPNION
Celtic were dealt a massive blow this week as they crashed out of European competition once again with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Zenit St. Petersburg on Thursday evening.
The Hoops failed to capitalise on a brilliant 1-0 first-leg win as their poor form on the continent continued for yet another season.
And Brendan Rodgers has seemingly been dealt a further blow this week, with the news that one of his key players has rejected a new deal at the club.
As reported by the Daily Mail, central midfielder Tom Rogic has rejected an offer of a new contract from the Hoops, with the club now locked in negotiations with the Australia international.
The newspaper report that Rogic is tempted by a move south to England, and may possibly use the upcoming World Cup as a platform to showcase his talents.
The Mail claim that Celtic are in a race against time to secure a new deal for the 25-year-old, as any failure to do so opens up the possibility of Rogic leaving for free in the summer of 2019, when his contract is up.
Losing Rogic would be a massive blow for Rodgers, who has made no secret of his admiration for the attacking midfielder.
Rogic joined Celtic for around £300,000 in 2013 from A-League side Central Coast Mariners, and has gone on to make 119 appearances for the Hoops, scoring 26 goals and providing 21 assists.
The 25-year-old is a key squad member for Rodgers, having made 28 appearances this season despite missing almost two months with a knee injury.
His versatility is a big asset, with Rogic mainly playing in an advanced midfield role, but also filling in as a second striker and centre-forward if needs be.
He is extremely hard-working, and is obviously a favourite of Rodgers, who has described him as ‘a big talent’ and compared him to Adam Lallana in the past.
Rogic is also a player who has been at the club for several years now, and is an established talent in midfield. This is in contrast to the many players who are just coming through for Celtic in that area, such as Olivier Ntcham, Eboue Kouassi, and Charly Musonda.
Losing his influence in the dressing room would therefore be a big blow, and it is one that Rodgers cannot afford at a time when Celtic’s rivals are slowly creeping up behind them after years of total dominance.
In a summer of change coming up, Rodgers will need to maintain as many constants as possible, and keeping Rogic will be key.
Whatever it is that Rogic wants, Celtic must give it to him, or Rodgers would be making the biggest mistake of his Glasgow career so far.