 Rocco Vata Contemplates Surprise Celtic Stay Amidst Talks with Suitors
According to sources cited by Football Insider, Rocco Vata, who was previously linked with an exit, is now considering the possibility of signing a new contract with Celtic following discussions with other clubs.
In the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, transfer expert Pete O’Rourke disclosed that negotiations are ongoing between the 18-year-old talent and Celtic officials. There is a sense of optimism within the club as progress has been made in the past two days towards securing Vata’s commitment to a new deal.
Earlier reports from Football Insider (January 17) indicated a keen interest from Italian clubs Sampdoria, Bologna, and Como in acquiring Vata, whose current contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the season. Despite initially granting permission for the player to explore his options this January, Celtic now appear close to reaching an agreement for Vata’s continued stay.
During the summer transfer window, Celtic rebuffed several offers for Vata, who showcased his abilities by netting 11 goals in 22 appearances for the B team.
Vata demonstrated his scoring prowess once again by registering the fifth goal in Celtic’s commanding 5-0 victory over Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on January 21. This marked his fifth appearance for the senior team since making his debut in December 2022.
Before his impactful performance in the cup fixture, Vata had not featured in any senior matches or made the matchday squad this season. Nonetheless, he has maintained an impressive goal-scoring record for the B team, finding the back of the net 13 times in 22 outings across various attacking positions.
The young talent is highly esteemed within Celtic’s ranks and has earned call-ups to represent the Republic of Ireland at youth levels. His most recent international appearance came in a European Championship qualifier against Belgium for the under-19s in November.
As things stand, Celtic currently lead the Scottish league standings and recently advanced to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup following their triumph over Buckie Thistle.
Their upcoming fixture sees them returning to league action against Ross County at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon (January 27).
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In summary, Rocco Vata’s future at Celtic hangs in the balance as the club engages in discussions to secure his signature amidst interest from other clubs. Despite initial speculation linking him with a move away, there is growing optimism within Celtic that Vata could opt to extend his stay, given the progress made in contract negotiations. His recent contributions on the field, particularly in the Scottish Cup fixture against Buckie Thistle, have highlighted his potential and importance to the team. As Celtic continues their campaign in both league and cup competitions, the resolution of Vata’s contract situation remains a focal point of attention for the club and its supporters.
