In the wake of Rocco Vata’s brilliant second-half hat-trick for the Ireland U21s against San Marino, the spotlight on the young star’s future has intensified, especially following his agent’s celebratory post on social media. These actions by the representative from CAA Base have fuelled speculation that the agency are looking to keep Vata’s name out in the open.
Vata went from wanting to make it at Celtic to looking certain to leave in a matter of months with Rodgers intervention at the start of the season being pushed by people in Rocco’s camp as a reason why he wants to leave. Despite scoring his first senior goal for Celtic against Buckie Thistle, the sentiment that Vata is eyeing the exit has only grown stronger.
The dynamics of Vata’s situation are emblematic of the modern football saga — a talented young player, a club wishing to retain its bright prospect, but a player who perhaps wants everything sooner rather than later.
Vata is a clear talent, but unlike other times when Celtic have had players slip through their fingers, you get the feeling more and more that they’ve tried their best to keep the player on this occasion and for whatever reason Rocco sees his future elsewhere.
Celtic will be due a small youth training fee should Rocco sign for another club in the summer.
