Talented winger appears likely to depart Celtic during the January transfer window.

 

The likelihood of promising Celtic youngster Rocco Vata leaving the club during the current transfer window has gained momentum, as per the reliable information shared by Fabrizio Romano. Reportedly, Serie A side Bologna is expressing strong interest in the player, and discussions between the parties are expected to take place soon.

Losing Vata would be regrettable for Celtic, given his high potential and positive reputation. However, the club finds itself in a challenging position if Vata has opted not to extend his contract. In this case, blaming the club for the departure may not be warranted.

Earlier in the season, the prevailing narrative suggested that Vata had rejected a new contract offer from Celtic. This perspective was initially challenged by The Celtic Star’s Editor and later contradicted by Anthony Joseph at Sky Sports. Joseph, who had earlier reported Vata’s rejection of a new offer, revised his stance by stating that no such contract had been presented by Celtic. The uncertainty surrounding Vata’s contract situation has been described as the “Celtic’s Rocco Vata Mystery” by James French in a recent article on The Celtic Star.

Whether Vata declined a contract extension or Celtic chose not to offer one, the news of his imminent departure has been anticipated for some time. The youngster’s lack of first-team opportunities, both under Ange Postecoglou and currently Brendan Rodgers, may have influenced his decision to seek a future elsewhere.

Vata had trained with the first team toward the end of the previous season but was subsequently sent back to the B Team at the beginning of the current season. This move could be attributed to the abundance of first-team squad players at Brendan Rodgers’ disposal. While Vata has showcased promise with commendable performances for the B Team in the Lowland League and the UEFA Youth League, as well as for Ireland U21s and sporadic appearances for the Celtic first team, breaking into the first team consistently remains a challenge.

The distinction between performing well for the B Team and proving oneself at the first-team level is significant. Both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers may share the opinion that Vata is not yet prepared for regular first-team action, and their judgment is crucial, particularly in a season marred by injury problems where the Irish youth international continues to struggle for game time.

Vata’s potential departure to Bologna is viewed as an opportunity for him to further develop his career, echoing the success of several young players who have made similar moves to Serie A from Scotland in recent times. Regardless of the uncertainties surrounding his future, supporters should extend their best wishes to the young talent, recognizing that his journey might lead to a successful career in the game. In the end, Rocco Vata remains just an ordinary Bhoy navigating the complexities of football’s unpredictable path.