OPINION
One reason why Brendan Rodgers seems unlikely to leave Celtic any time soon is the mutual faith and trust shown by both the manager and club chief Peter Lawwell – although that could well be broken in the coming weeks.
The Hoops have won everything they can on the domestic stage under Rodgers, who has been well backed by the board at Celtic Park with his decisions both on and off the field – even though they have not always been a success (looking at you Charly Musonda and Marvin Compper).
Now Rodgers could be forced into a tough decision regarding the potential sale of one of his senior stars, with first team mainstay said to be a transfer target for newly promoted Premier League side Fulham, according to the Scottish Sun.
It is stated that with just a year left on his contract, the Cottagers are hoping to swoop for the 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) powerhouse, who has been impressing with Belgium at the World Cup this summer.
The report reveals that Rodgers is keen on handing the 27-year-old a new deal, but with the potential of Premier League money coming the Hoops’ way, chief executive Lawwell must go over the manager’s head and give the green light for his exit.
Some might argue that Boyata has improved under Rodgers’ stewardship but the honest truth is he has still looked a liability at times and with hopes of improving on the European stage at the forefront of the Bhoys’ minds, his sale could help fund the arrival of some much needed new recruits.
A move from a Championship or foreign side would be easy to turn down, but with the knowledge of what Premier League teams can offer, Lawwell and the Hoops must demand the best possible price and green light the sale – even if Rodgers is not happy with it.