Offer submitted: Celtic chiefs make first bid to sign new £8m+ wonderkid; they’ve already had a reply
After falling just short of securing a domestic treble following a dramatic and disappointing defeat to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final, Celtic have wasted no time turning their attention toward the future. Reports indicate that the Scottish champions have launched their summer transfer plans by targeting a highly-rated 17-year-old prospect in a bid to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
Rodgers Reflects on Rare Cup Final Defeat
Brendan Rodgers, managing in his 11th career final, was on the cusp of completing a sensational domestic clean sweep—having already secured the Scottish Premiership and League Cup earlier in the campaign. However, Aberdeen defied the odds and delivered a stunning upset, handing the Celtic boss his first-ever defeat in a cup final across his managerial career in both Scotland and England.
Rodgers, who has consistently guided his teams to success on the big stage, admitted the loss was tough to take but remained philosophical in defeat. Speaking to the media after the match, he said:
“This is a team that’s given me everything this season—their honesty, their effort, and the quality of their football. There have been so many occasions I’ve sat in this very seat celebrating victories. This time, it’s different. After 11 finals in my career, this is the first one I’ve lost. But that’s the nature of sport. You have to accept it, reflect on it honestly, and understand we just didn’t show the required quality today. There’s no one else to blame.”
Rodgers went on to highlight how close his team came to making history:
“Our domestic goal was clear: win the league, the League Cup, and the Scottish Cup. We were just one game away from achieving that. Days like today remind you how difficult and competitive football truly is.”
Aberdeen’s spirited performance exposed a rare vulnerability in Celtic’s otherwise dominant domestic form. It served as a wake-up call and a reminder that continued success cannot be taken for granted. Determined to come back even stronger next season, Celtic have already begun laying the groundwork for future triumphs.
Transfer Focus: Celtic Table Opening Bid for Serbian Starlet
While the dust settles from their cup final disappointment, Celtic’s recruitment team has shifted gears into the summer transfer window. The club has already made a significant move to sign one of Europe’s brightest young prospects—Veljko Milosavljevic, a 17-year-old defensive talent from Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade.
According to a report by Meridian Sport in Serbia, relayed by The Daily Record, Celtic have submitted their first official offer for Milosavljevic. However, their opening bid has been rejected by Red Star, who reportedly value their teenage prodigy at around €10 million (£8.4 million)—a sizable fee for a player yet to reach adulthood.
Despite his young age, Milosavljevic has already caught the attention of scouts across Europe. He has featured in eight senior matches in the Serbian SuperLiga this season and was included on the bench during Red Star’s Champions League clashes against top European sides such as PSV Eindhoven and BSC Young Boys. His maturity and composure at such a young age have made him one of Serbia’s most exciting defensive prospects.
While it remains to be seen whether Celtic are willing to meet Red Star’s full asking price, their interest is a clear indication of their intent to invest in youth and build a squad with long-term potential under Rodgers.
A Vision for the Future
Although Milosavljevic may not walk straight into Celtic’s starting lineup, his potential to develop into a first-team regular is evident. The club’s pursuit of such a talent underlines their ambition not just to maintain domestic dominance, but to build a squad capable of progressing further in Europe—a long-standing goal for the Parkhead faithful.
Investing in emerging talent like Milosavljevic reflects the broader vision Brendan Rodgers and Celtic’s board appear to share. By identifying future stars before their value skyrockets, the club could once again reap the rewards of smart scouting and early recruitment, just as they’ve done in past eras of success.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Celtic’s early activity suggests they are determined not to let the pain of their recent cup final loss linger. Instead, they’re turning the page swiftly—with renewed ambition, sharper focus, and an eye on the future.