Celtic’s turbulent season continues to ripple far beyond Glasgow, with developments involving former manager Brendan Rodgers once again drawing the club into a wider football conversation.
As Rodgers edges closer to a return to management with Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, talkSPORT reports linking Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to the club have added another layer of intrigue, and unease, for supporters watching events unfold.
Rodgers’ departure from Celtic at the end of October marked the start of a chaotic period at Parkhead, one that has since included an interim spell under Martin O’Neill and the appointment of Wilfried Nancy.
While attention in Glasgow has remained fixed on results, structure and stability, Rodgers has been quietly lining up his next move, with Saudi Arabia now appearing to be his next destination.
Al-Qadsiah, backed by significant financial power, are understood to be finalising Rodgers’ appointment, with long-serving Celtic coach John Kennedy expected to join him as part of his staff.
For Celtic supporters, the sight of two familiar figures resurfacing together so soon after their Parkhead exits has already stirred mixed emotions.
That feeling has only intensified with speculation that the Saudi club may be considering a statement signing to match their new managerial setup.
Mohamed Salah’s name has inevitably been dragged into the conversation. The Liverpool forward’s relationship with manager Arne Slot has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, following visible frustration, rotation out of key matches and reports of tension behind the scenes.
While Salah remains one of the Premier League’s most influential attackers, uncertainty around his role has fuelled transfer chatter, and Saudi clubs are rarely far from such discussions.
From a Celtic viewpoint, Rodgers, who oversaw significant recruitment and tactical shifts during his time in Glasgow, now finds himself linked with one of world football’s biggest names just weeks after leaving a club struggling to define its own direction.
It shows the sense that Celtic are once again reacting to events rather than shaping them.
There is also an unavoidable contrast between ambition and reality. While Al-Qadsiah are reportedly exploring marquee signings, Celtic are preparing for a January window defined by necessity, strengthening a thin squad, addressing defensive issues and restoring confidence under a new manager still finding his feet.
The gulf in circumstances is stark, even if the clubs themselves operate in entirely different financial ecosystems.
It is important to stress that, at this stage, talk of Salah joining Al-Qadsiah remains speculative. Liverpool have not indicated any willingness to sell, and Salah’s contract status gives them a strong negotiating position.
However, speculation alone reflects the shifting power dynamics within football, where Saudi clubs are increasingly comfortable placing themselves at the centre of global conversations.
For Rodgers, the appeal is obvious. A fresh project, significant backing and the opportunity to rebuild away from the relentless pressure of the Scottish game offer a different kind of challenge.
For Kennedy, the move represents a continuation of a coaching partnership that has spanned years and multiple clubs, now transplanted into a rapidly evolving league.
Back in Glasgow, Celtic supporters can only observe from a distance.
With Wilfried Nancy under growing pressure and performances failing to convince, the idea of former figures quickly moving on to new, high-profile roles has sharpened frustrations about leadership, planning and long-term vision at Parkhead.
Whether Salah ever pulls on an Al-Qadsiah shirt is almost secondary.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – December 13, 2025 Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
What matters more is what the story represents: a reminder that Celtic’s recent upheaval has consequences beyond domestic results, and that the club’s decisions are being measured, consciously or not, against how swiftly others appear to move forward.
As January approaches, Celtic’s priority remains internal. Results, structure and belief must be restored quickly.
Meanwhile, Rodgers and Kennedy’s next chapter will continue to draw attention, not because of nostalgia, but because it highlights just how quickly football’s narratives, and power centres, can shift.
For now, Celtic watch on as familiar faces prepare for a new stage, while the club itself searches for stability at a time when it feels in increasingly short supply.
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