Celtic will not allow exciting youth prospect Rocco Vata to leave on loan this summer unless he signs a new deal at the club, according to a report in Scottish Sun.
The Irish U19 international has just nine months remaining on his current deal with Celtic keen to find answers from the teenager on where his future lies.
Son of former Celtic player Rudi Vata, Rocco recently changed his representation, signing up for player agency CAA Base.
This created rumours that the Irishman might wish to leave the club, with well-informed journalist Scott Burns reporting Serie A side Torino were interested just last week.
Vata has featured just twice for the Celtic B team so far this season and scored three goals, with the 18-year-old appearing in pre-season for Celtic in matches in Portugal and Japan and training with the first team on an ongoing basis.
Celtic’s extensive wide options this season will limit Vata’s opportunities, with a loan move probably best for the players development.
The departure of the extremely talented teenager would be disappointing to say the least and fans can only hope Vata will commit his future to the club in the coming days and be subsequently loaned out for the upcoming season.
Another one of Celtic’s top Academy teenage stars is Ben Summers who today signed a new contract to remain at Celtic. The 19 year-old will remain at Celtic until at least the summer of 2026, with Brendan Rodgers securing one of the top young talents in the Scottish game. Summers made his first team debut last season and has been a regular member of the first team squad for training and the pre-season matches.
Summers debut came in a win at Rugby Park in April and he also made an appearance in the Trophy Day win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park at the end of May.
Summers, now that he has committed his future to Celtic, is likely to get a loan move approved by the Celtic manager, with Dunfermline the likely destination.
Whether Rocco Vata chooses to follow a similar pathway to the Celtic first team remains to be seen, but with nine months remaining on his contract, unless there’s an acceptable bid, it looks like he’ll be playing another season in the Lowland League.
Incidentally, Brendan Rodgers was complaining about the additional time that’s going to be added on in games this season and how that is going to add up to effectively extra matches for his players. The easiest way to avoid that happening is surely to give more Celtic Academy players their chance to play first team football, especially in matches that are already won with Celtic a few goals to the good.
Ange Postecoglou favoured giving squad players some minutes rather than giving youth a chance, other than the desperate attempt to convince Ben Doak to remain at Celtic as Liverpool hovered.
After signing a contract extension with #CelticFC today, Ben Summers has joined @officialdafc on a season-long loan deal.
Best of luck this season, Ben! 🍀 https://t.co/YEyU90oEOT pic.twitter.com/O5I8CEAidj
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 11, 2023
#DAFC are delighted to announce the loan signing of attacking midfielder Ben Summers from Celtic
➡️ https://t.co/0DER7uQtOH pic.twitter.com/nr9WjgOHNe
— Dunfermline Athletic (@officialdafc) August 11, 2023
James French
