Over the years, we have seen plenty of players not make the grade at Celtic but then end up having a great career elsewhere. And it looks like we could be seeing another one of those play out in real time at the moment. It is someone who left just last year for around £250,000 but could end up commanding a transfer fee in the region of £20 million. At least that is how much his club want for him.
One of the major issues Celtic have faced in recent years is their inability to promote their youngsters to the senior team and then give them consistent chances. And one of the players who left last year, after failing to get opportunities under the management of Brendan Rodgers was Rocco Vata.
Vata ended up joining Watford. And he has managed to establish himself there. He has a couple of goals and assists each this season for the Championship club. That seems to have caught the attention of Premier League teams.
The likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace are being linked with Vata. On the other hand, it appears that Watford will seek a £20 million fee. As reported by the Daily Mail (via Glasgow World):
"Crystal Palace and Fulham are among the clubs who are continuing to monitor Watford's highly-rated winger Rocco Vata. he continues to forge a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in the Championship .Italian side Atalanta and Germans Eintracht Frankfurt had also sent scouts earlier this season to check on the 20-year-old who has been capped at international level by the Republic of Ireland.
“Watford still value Vata at around £20million. He is making good progress in his recovery and has also switched agents to StormSportsX but the Vicarage Road club have him under contract until 2028 with an extra year's option."
Player who left Celtic for £250,000 last year now set for £20m move
Vata was always considered one of the best talents that Celtic had in their youth ranks. But unfortunately, he was not given enough the chances that he was looking for.
At this point, it is understandable when players leave Celtic. The chances have not been handed out, and as a result, many are willing to take the risk and depart the club rather than wait for their opportunities to come around.
Vata's rise does go on to show that there is no lack of talent in the youth ranks at Celtic. But there definitely needs to be a better pathway.