Celtic set to sign former Liverpool midfielder in major move | OneFootball

Celtic close in on January deal for former Liverpool midfielder

Rodgers targets youthful creativity in midfield

Celtic are closing in on a £6 million deal to sign former Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg, according to The Times. The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Derby County, has impressed in the Championship and is keen to secure regular first-team football back in the UK. His arrival would provide Brendan Rodgers with another technically gifted midfield option as Celtic continue their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.

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Clark’s move marks a potential return to British football less than a year after leaving Anfield. Having joined Salzburg for £10 million in 2024, the former England youth international linked up with Pepijn Lijnders, Jürgen Klopp’s former assistant. However, following Lijnders’ dismissal from Salzburg and subsequent move to Manchester City, Clark’s opportunities in Austria became limited.

From Anfield debut to Glasgow ambition

Clark’s pedigree is not in doubt. He made his Premier League debut for Liverpool at 17 against Bournemouth and featured in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley as Klopp’s side beat Chelsea. He also found the net in Europe, scoring in a 6-1 Europa League win over Sparta Prague.

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That early promise earned him a five-year deal at Salzburg, but circumstances changed quickly. The lure of consistent minutes, a passionate fanbase and European football at Celtic Park appear to have made the decision straightforward. The player’s camp reportedly views this as an ideal step to reignite his trajectory and showcase his ability in a demanding environment.

Celtic’s January plans take shape

Celtic, who sit second in the Scottish Premiership, are already planning for a busy January. Rodgers’ focus on youth and technical versatility aligns with Clark’s profile. His arrival would inject further energy into the midfield.

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Sources close to the club suggest the deal could be finalised early in the window, with Clark potentially making his debut in the January 3 clash against Rangers. For a player once tipped for a long future at Anfield, a move to Glasgow represents both an opportunity and a challenge to re-establish himself at the top level.

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Celtic supporters will remember Rodgers’ track record for developing young midfielders, and Clark fits that mould perfectly. Technically sharp, comfortable on the ball and intelligent in transition, he carries the DNA of modern Liverpool training. That alone adds intrigue for fans eager to see fresh energy in midfield.

The price tag of £6 million feels reasonable given his pedigree and age. For Celtic, who have often balanced long-term development with immediate success, Clark could represent both a footballing investment and a statement of intent. He has already experienced high-pressure environments, from Wembley finals to European nights, and that maturity could translate well to Glasgow’s intensity.

Fans will, however, want assurances that his signing complements the squad rather than replaces proven contributors. With Celtic fighting on multiple fronts, Clark’s arrival would make sense only if he adds tactical flexibility rather than depth alone. His combination of pressing ability and composure might make him an ideal fit for Rodgers’ system, particularly in European fixtures where control in possession is paramount.

If the deal goes through, Clark will arrive with expectations, but also with a sense of unfinished business. For many Celtic fans, that hunger could make him the kind of player capable of flourishing under the lights at Parkhead.