​Callum McGregor has joined Unique Sports Group, a stable that includes several big-name clients, among them his former manager. It’s only natural for observers to wonder whether the Celtic captain could be tempted to pack his bags and team up with the Irishman at Al Qadsiah. It isn’t an outrageous notion to entertain, as the scenario is entirely plausible and could unfold without shocking anyone. On 23 May 2026, as Celtic faced Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup Final, Callum McGregor, who had recently turned 33, stood as one of the club’s most decorated players and its captain. The idea of pursuing a fresh challenge, perhaps accompanied by a substantial salary, would certainly appeal to a player who has spent his entire career with Celtic since boyhood.
A two- or three-year deal in the sunlit, cash-rich Gulf State, offering a stress-free lifestyle, would be hard to resist for a player of Callum’s calibre. He has already achieved so much with Celtic: league titles, trebles, doubles, and even Champions League football. With some years left on his contract, Celtic could demand a transfer fee for his signature, but the Saudi clubs, flush with funds, would likely meet that price. Essentially, Callum owes Celtic nothing; if a move piqued his interest, it would be hard to blame him. A generous contract coupled with a few years in a different landscape could be life-changing, and it’s not easy to say no to such an offer.
It’s worth recalling that Callum’s remarks toward the end of last season hinted that his loyalty to Celtic had its limits if the board failed to back the manager. In such a scenario, financial considerations could tip the balance, and a fivefold or greater increase in earnings over three years would be transformative. My view is that the lure of the Celtic badge might well prove stronger, and Callum could decide to stay for at least another season. James Forrest has publicly stated that he will not play for another club, and when his Celtic chapter ends, he plans to retire. Callum has never publicly ruled out his own future beyond Celtic’s needs, leaving room for his personal preferences to take precedence if that is where his mind lies.
Many will only fully appreciate the magnitude of his influence at Celtic once he moves on. Hopefully, that day will not come soon. For now, Callum remains a key figure in the squad, a true Ordinary Bhoy who has given so much to the club. We invite you to share your opinions in the Celtic conversation below. And for Celtic fans looking for reading material, there are offers such as the summer sale featuring two books for £20 plus postage and packaging at Celticstarbooks.com. If you want quick access to Celtic content, consider adding Celticshorts.com as your preferred source on Google News.