When The Times reported that Celtic were preparing a £6 million move for Bobby Clark, it immediately turned heads, and not just because of the player’s Liverpool past…
The report, written by The Times’ respected North-East correspondent Martin Hardy, suggested that Celtic were lining up a January deal to sign the RB Salzburg midfielder.
However, the story has since taken an unexpected twist. Other outlets have cast doubt on the claim, with reports indicating no agreement has been reached between the clubs. To add to the confusion, Derby County manager John Eustace, under whom Clark is currently playing on loan, appeared unaware of any such arrangement when questioned this week.
That contradiction is striking. Clark, after all, joined Derby on a season-long loan from Salzburg, a deal that would ordinarily run until next summer, unless cut short by a break clause or mutual consent.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is the credibility of the original source. Hardy is not a journalist known for chasing clicks or pandering to fanbases for traffic. Indeed, the fact the article was published behind The Times’ paywall suggests the story was not written for social media attention. When a reporter of that reputation goes to print, it tends to mean there’s something in it.
Yet the most curious element of all may not be the conflicting messages, it’s the position Celtic are reportedly targeting.
Brendan Rodgers, as you would expect, was asked about Celtic’s reported interest in Clark at his media conference this afternoon. The Celtic manager had this to say in response to the question.
“It’s one that’s come from a long way out. I wouldn’t normally say anything on anything, but I really don’t know where that has come from at all. Especially in October. I’m really not sure where that’s come from.”
The Celtic manager was earlier asked about this the first transfer story of the January by Sky Sports and you can watch that below.
🍀 Expecting “tough game” at Dens
🍀 “I haven’t a clue” about Bobby Clark speculation
🍀 Important fans are “content and happy”We’ve been speaking to Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers ahead of Sunday’s game vs Dundee, live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/49mwy6gjZ7
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 17, 2025
Stop giving them your money
It’s the usual shite coming from Celtic that they are busy chasing players whilst really they have no intention of the sort