Celtic Linked With Interest In Former Liverpool Attacker

Celtic are exploring a sensational January loan move for Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling, with Brendan Rodgers keen to reunite with the player he once nurtured at Liverpool.

The 30-year-old is currently out of favour at Stamford Bridge and training away from Thomas Tuchel’s main group, despite his illustrious career with England and the Premier League.

Rodgers Connection Could Prove Key

Sterling made his breakthrough under Rodgers at Liverpool between 2012 and 2015, appearing 95 times and developing into one of Europe’s brightest young attackers. That relationship is believed to remain strong, and reports suggest Rodgers’ faith in him could prove decisive as Celtic weigh up a move north of the border.

The forward spent last season on loan at Arsenal but failed to score in 17 league appearances. Linked with Napoli, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in the summer, he ultimately stayed at Chelsea, where he still has nearly two years left on his contract.

Financial Stumbling Blocks

Celtic’s ambition may collide with financial reality. Sterling is on a reported £300,000-a-week wage, a figure far beyond the club’s structure. However, it is claimed Celtic are prepared to contribute around one sixth of his salary to make a six-month loan feasible, with Chelsea keen to reduce their wage bill as they push for a permanent departure.

Whether Sterling himself would be willing to relocate to Glasgow is another question. The winger’s family is settled in London, and his son is enrolled in Arsenal’s academy, factors that could dissuade him from a Scottish Premiership switch.

Meanwhile At Celtic Park

While the Sterling story develops, right-back Alistair Johnston has been spotted in England supporting Newcastle United in their Champions League clash with Barcelona. The Canadian international, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has spoken candidly about his ambitions to test himself in the Premier League one day.

“Of course, I have aspirations to play in some of the biggest leagues in the world,” Johnston said. “But at the same time, I’m really happy here. The grass isn’t always greener – we’ve seen that quite a few times.”

Site Opinion

A Celtic move for Sterling would rank among the most ambitious in the club’s modern history. His wages and family situation may prove insurmountable obstacles, yet Rodgers’ influence cannot be underestimated. If a deal were struck, the forward’s presence would add Champions League pedigree and international quality to the Scottish champions’ attack.

For now, the prospect feels unlikely, but it underlines Rodgers’ determination to push Celtic beyond domestic dominance and into a stronger European footing.