Celtic are keeping close tabs on Sturm Graz prospect Filip Rozga as the club prepares its recruitment plans for a monumental summer transfer window…
The 19-year-old midfielder first attracted interest from Celtic in January, but Sturm Graz were unwilling to consider a sale at that stage.
The Austrian champions had only recently brought Rozga in from Polish club Cracovia for around £1.75 million and were keen to give the youngster time to develop rather than move him on mid-season.
According to Scott Burns in Daily Record, rather than push for a deal, Celtic opted to continue monitoring his progress. The club’s scouting network has remained attentive to his performances in Austria and the Hoops could return with a formal approach once the next transfer window opens.
Rozga also came up against Celtic earlier this season in the Europa League, providing the assist for Sturm Graz’s goal during their 2-1 loss at Celtic Park.
The fixture offered Celtic’s recruitment team a valuable opportunity to assess him first-hand.
Although still at the early stages of his career, Rozga is already beginning to build a reputation. He has earned two senior caps for Poland and is regarded as one of the country’s emerging talents.
Primarily an attacking midfielder who operates just behind the striker, he can also play in wide areas and has occasionally been used further forward when Sturm Graz require extra presence in the final third.
His debut season in Austria has brought steady involvement in the first team, with Rozga featuring 28 times and scoring twice as Sturm Graz remain in the hunt for the league title.
Celtic’s activity in January largely centred on loan additions, several of which include options to make the deals permanent at the end of the campaign. That strategy allowed the club to keep its longer-term recruitment plans flexible ahead of the summer window.
With preparations already under way behind the scenes, Rozga is understood to remain among the players Celtic are considering as they look to strengthen the squad for next season.
Conor Spence
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