Celtic Yet To Make A Bid For The Young Defender: Why Rodgers Must Step Up Interest Here | OneFootball

If a recent report from The National is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Harley Mills ahead of a potential summer swoop. Peterborough United, his current employers, are also aware of the Hoops’ interest. But contrary to reports, they have yet to receive an offer for the emerging left fullback.

The 19-year-old Birmingham-born defender progressed through Aston Villa’s academy ranks. But he left his boyhood club and joined the Cambridgeshire side on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. After an initial two-year development contract, Mills was promoted to the senior setup.

The Posh sent him on an initial one-month development loan to non-league outfit Enfield Town early into the 2024-25 campaign for regular football. However, his flair from the flank eventually earned him a key first-team status since being recalled in November.

Mills appeared 17 times for Peterborough last season, including a heroic display in the EFL Trophy final. His goal from a free-kick, followed by an assist, earned them a stellar 2-0 win against the mighty Birmingham City.

Meanwhile, the youngster is contracted at London Road for one more year, and the League One minnows would prefer a summer exit over losing him for nothing by June 2026. But they expect an ambitious bid for their prized asset, having knocked back Fulham’s £1m initial offer.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Harley Mills of Peterborough United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Vertu EFL Trophy Final match between Birmingham City and Peterborough United at Wembley Stadium on April 13, 2025, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Despite conquering their 55th league crown, Celtic concluded the season with a setback in the Scottish Cup final. A defeat against Aberdeen denied them a domestic treble; also, the high-profile Andrew Cavenagh-led 49ers Enterprises takeover should see Rangers script a resurgence under new manager Russell Martin. Funds will be available for a summer rebuild, and the Bhoys, who suffered multiple Old Firm defeats last term, must bolster the squad to maintain their supremacy.

Why Celtic Should Step Up The Chase

Brendan Rodgers expects to lose Greg Taylor, who has decided not to extend his stay beyond this month. But the return of Kieran Tierney has restored parity down the left, as the Scotsman already penned a pre-contract agreement in January to complete a Bosman switch from Arsenal.

Yet they must rope in another left-back to challenge and cover Tierney week in and week out. Jeffrey Schlupp joined Celtic on a short-term winter loan from Crystal Palace, but is now available as a free agent after the Eagles opted not to renew his Selhurst Park contract.

Having said that, the club seem not to be entirely convinced by the 32-year-old Ghanaian’s impact. Although he could still be re-signed for his experience and versatility, someone of Mills’ calibre could earn them millions in a couple of years. He would develop as Tierney’s understudy under Rodgers’ tutelage, and a move north of the border could see him attune to the aggression of the Scottish game, experience European minutes, and therefore, fulfil his potential at a higher level.