Over the years, we have seen plenty of talented youngsters leave Celtic and then struggle elsewhere. There are plenty of such examples. The problem is, chances have been hard to come by at Parkhead for many years now. As a result, these players are now comfortable taking the risk and making that move, rather than staying put where they are.
On some occasions, it does pay off though. And that is starting to look like the case for Rocco Vata, the son of Rudi Vata.
Vata came through the youth ranks at Celtic and was an outstanding performer at the developmental levels. He was not afforded too many chances for the senior team though. Eventually, he ended up leaving for Watford.
That has proven to be a solid move for Vata. He made 37 appearances last season, scoring 5 goals. This time around, he has scored and assisted twice each in 10 outings. And that seems to have caught the eye of other clubs.
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As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Vata can be on the move in 2026. European clubs are already showing interest.
Vata is someone who had the talent to make it into the first-team at Celtic. But for one reason or another, he was not given those required opportunities.
It is not that the academy is not producing talent anymore. It is the opportunities at the senior level which have become limited. That is something which needs to be fixed.
Just look at Colby Donovan's display against Feyenoord away at De Kuip in midweek. These are the type of players that the club need to focus on developing instead of making project signings from other leagues, who seldom end up making a mark at the club anyway.