There has long been a feeling that at some point, Scotland captain Andy Robertson will finally return to Celtic, the Champions League-winning defender having been on the books at Parkhead as a teenager.
Boyhood Hoops fans were seen in the crowd during the 4-1 loss to Stuttgart in the Europa League last month, adding fuel to the ongoing speculation.
Out of contract this summer, following links with Tottenham Hotspur in January, the 32-year-old could move to Glasgow on a free transfer, fulfilling a lifelong dream of pulling on the blue and white jersey at first-team level.
What that will mean for his international partner and rival on the left, Kieran Tierney, remains to be seen, with rumors of a possible run to this summer’s World Cup.
That said, the Liverpool hero may not be the only defensive reinforcement ahead of next season, amid what could be a significant squad reshuffle.
Celtic are in the race to sign a Premiership player this summer
There are other important things to talk about, not least the signing of a new marquee striker, but the backroom could see a big change this summer.
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On the left, any move for Robertson will end the hopes of a permanent stay for Boca Juniors loanee Marcelo Saracchi, although the 27-year-old has been an adequate deputy for Tierney this season.
On the right, Alistair Johnston could again put himself in the shop window for Canada at the World Cup, while it remains to be seen whether Julian Araujo will be retained permanently, with the Mexico international currently ahead of both Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan respectively.
There is depth at right-back, but that hasn’t stopped Celtic looking at a potential upgrade, with Football Insider reporting that the Glasgow club are battling rivals Rangers to sign Dundee United loanee Luca Stephenson.
The report suggests that Stephenson, who is enjoying a second successive season on loan at Tannadice from parent club Liverpool, could be allowed to leave Anfield permanently this summer, should a suitable offer be made.
The 22-year-old is said to be ‘highly regarded’ on Merseyside, although a permanent exit is a possibility, with the Old Firm among those vying for his signature.
Why Stephenson could be the new Andy Robertson
In the case of Stephenson who plays for the Liverpool team, Robertson, the experienced defender had to return to the top following his exit from Celtic, he started playing at Queen’s Park, before he enjoyed playing for the Premiership title for the first time in 2013/14.
That opportunity came at Stephenson’s current side, Dundee United, with Robertson ending his lone season with the Tangerines by earning the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award, scoring 11 goals and assisting in 44 games.
A move to Hull City and then Anfield followed and the rest, as they say, is history, although the Glasgow native’s talent first came to light that year at Tannadice.
|
Robertson’s career so far |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The team |
Games |
Terms (Help) |
|
Liverpool |
372 |
13 (69) |
|
Hull |
115 |
5 (10) |
|
Dundee Utd |
44 |
5 (6) |
|
Queen’s Park |
43 |
2 (3) |
|
In Scotland |
90 |
4 (12) |
There are parallels, then, in relation to Stephenson’s impact in recent seasons in Scottish football, having signed for the first time on loan in the summer of 2024.
While still on Liverpool’s books, the Englishman had followed Robertson’s example to some extent, dropping to the lower rungs of the EFL pyramid after making 34 appearances for Barrow the previous year.
A versatile talent capable of operating as a full-back, central midfielder or full-back, Stephenson has particularly flourished for Jim Goodwin’s side, scoring nine goals and helping in the Premiership.
With 14 goals in 66 games in total for Dundee, his record certainly equals Robertson’s own with the Tangerines, it’s clear why Celtic and Rangers are so interested in a potential summer deal.
Indeed, the Hoops recently saw their best in a 2-0 defeat to Goodwin’s men before the international break, with Stephenson getting his latest assist during this encouraging outing.
As mentioned, right-back may not be a priority right now, however if Johnston is to leave and if Araujo is deemed too expensive to return, then the Liverpool academy graduate could be a good alternative.
Then there is the real prospect that Celtic could be reunited with Robertson on one side and Stephenson on the other if all goes to plan this summer with the Parkhead management.
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