Brendan Rodgers tipped to make early Celtic exit and break ‘three-year promise’

A former Celtic striker believes Brendan Rodgers could depart the club before his contract runs out in 2026 as tensions continue to rise in the east end of Glasgow

Andy Walker insists Brendan Rodgers may not see out his contract at Celtic despite making a three-year promise after returning. Rodgers has been faced with criticism from all angles this season despite keeping an unbeaten record in domestic competition so far.

The Northern Irishman is into the final 12 months of his contract in Scotland and no indication has been made on if he will extend his deal beyond 2026. Former Celtic star and current pundit Walker has even claimed the 52-year-old won’t even see the season out at the Scottish champions, due to the current fractures between fans and the board.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football show, Walker said: “I wonder who will replace Brendan Rodgers, and I wonder if he will last the season. There’s so much uncertainty. You heard Brendan Rodgers talking about a senior executive almost wishing him to lose.

“And there’s ‘nothing to see here’? That’s bizarre. There’s someone in a senior position who was briefing against the manager, and Brendan Rodgers called it out and wanted them identified, wanted them sacked.

“That person’s still there, I’m assuming he’s still got the same feelings. I don’t know who else is with them. But of course, the focus should be on the pitch, what you’re doing, what games are you playing and how are you winning.

“And I think Celtic being two points behind Hearts at the moment, I think they will get better but it was a really poor summer window.”

Upon his return, Rodgers was adamant that he would see out his three-year deal in Scotland after departing early the first time around for Leicester City. Speaking in 2024, the Celtic boss said: “On my first day back, I said I’d be here for three years.

“By then, I’ll have done nearly six years at the club, and that’s a long time as Celtic manager. For nearly a year, more people wanted me out than in, so I’m not going to be talking about new contracts now!

“I just need to continue to work well and do my very best for the club. I’m pretty sure at some point next season, we can see how we’re going and take it from there.

“But at the moment, I love my life here and it’s an amazing club to work for. Going away and then coming back has made it even better for me because I knew what I had missed when I was away.

“So I’m not in a rush to leave again. They say that as you get older the biggest currency you have is time. When you get to 51 and you get older, you realise that.”

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