Brendan Rodgers has opened the door on a Celtic return for Filip Benkovic. The Croatian defender was recalled from Cardiff City this week after a dismal period with the Championship club and Rodgers suggested that the central defender could make a return to the Scottish Champions.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rodgers said that there had been no contact from Celtic for Benkovic but it was a possibility.
“It’s certainly a possibility. It’s a huge club and he did very well there. We haven’t had any contact but he’s back now and we will see what happens.
“Celtic would be a great move for him. He’s at the age where he really needs to be playing and that didn’t quite materialise at Cardiff.
“I would never blame another manager for not playing someone because circumstances can change all the time but unfortunately it didn’t work out.
“It’s quite simple really, it’s now a case of finding somewhere where he can go next and get some game time.”
Benkovic joined Leicester from Zagreb in 2018 for £13m before being loaned to Celtic, who were then under Rodgers in his third year. Benkovic impressed in this spell and despite Rodgers leaving, the defender continued to play a part in the team. Benkovic made 27 appearances
Loan moves to Bristol City and Cardiff have been unproductive for the 23-year-old, meaning he has fallen down the pecking order at the Foxes making no appearances in the Premier League.
Celtic are in the market for a new central defender with Christopher Jullien likely out until the end of the season. Benkovic knows the club and is known to the manager, Rodgers knows the staff in Glasgow and might hope that a move will allow him and Kris Ajer to allow Celtic to toughen up at the back.
On a day that Celtic missed out of Mark McKenzie, a move for Benkovic could make up for the loss of the USA International who joined Genk today.
