The career trajectory of former Celtic players is always an intriguing subject matter following their time at Parkhead.
In recent years, Liam Henderson has enjoyed one of the more colourful footballing journeys in that respect after leaving the club for Bari in 2018.
Since then, he has pitched up at Hellas Verona, Empoli (first spell), Lecce, back to Empoli (his parent club), and he has just spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Palermo, registering one goal and four assists in 31 appearances [Transfermarkt].
No longer the fresh-faced prospect he was at Celtic, Henderson is now 28 and has carved out an admirable path for himself since departing Scottish football.
Now, he could be set for a whirlwind move, where he may potentially encounter none other than Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo if reports are to be believed.
Former Celtic man Liam Henderson lined up by Andrea Pirlo
Per Football Scotland, Sampdoria boss Pirlo has ‘launched a move’ to try and land Henderson from Empoli after being assured that his job at Stadio Luigi Ferraris is safe for the coming season despite missing out on promotion to Serie A.
The football icon has identified Henderson as a key target to bolster the engine room as part of a squad rebuild following news that Palermo weren’t willing to activate an option to buy in his loan agreement.
The Livingston-born man may now have a big decision to make surrounding his future, with the thought of learning from one of the greatest midfielders in history bound to be an enticing prospect.
It didn’t work out for Henderson at Celtic, but he continues to excel in Italy and is something of a trendsetter, as many Scots have since followed his example in recent times.