Some surprising names have nearly made their way to Celtic Park over the years.
Over the years, plenty of famous faces have come very close to donning the famous green and white of Celtic, but who might well regret not making the move to Glasgow? HITC Sport have compiled a list of 8 players who didn’t quite secure that switch to Celtic Park:
1. Jimmy Bullard
Former footballer Jimmy Bullard
According to a report from the BBC, midfield joker Jimmy Bullard very nearly joined Celtic on loan back in 2010, while the midfielder was playing for Hull City. The playmaker, who’s career was blighted by injuries, told The Scotsman back in 2015 that not signing for Celtic was one of his biggest regrets.
2. Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero
No, you are reading that correctly. Italy and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero came extremely close to joining Celtic after leaving the Turin giants back in 2012. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Italian revealed he held talks with the Glasgow giants on more than one occasion.
3. Steven Fletcher
Sheffield Wednesday’s Steven Fletcher (L) in action with Leeds United’s Liam Cooper
Before signing for Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 2016, Scotland forward Steven Fletcher was rumoured to have been a transfer target for Celtic, according to the Daily Record. The big centre-forward would have been an interesting partner for Celtic’s Moussa Dembele.
4. Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell – England
The former Arsenal and Spurs defender would have added some real crunch to the Old Firm battle, and according to a report from The Sunday Post back in 2015, Campbell has stated how much he regrets not getting the chance to be involved in such a game; disappointed that a move to Celtic never came to fruition.
5. James McCarthy
Tottenham’s Erik Lamela in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
A lifelong Celtic fan, James McCarthy nearly joined Celtic during Tony Mowbary’s tenure at the club, before instead heading to Wigan Athletic. However, with the Irishman seemingly falling behind in the pecking order at Everton, we could yet see Celtic pursue a move for the player, as they were reported to have done in January by the Daily Record.
6. Emile Heskey
Emile Heskey – Liverpool
As reported back in 2016 by the Daily Record, Emile Heskey regrets not making the move to Celtic in his career, stating that he had two chances to join the Bhoys. The first opportunity came when Martin O’Neill was in charge at Parkhead, and he was more recently given the chance when Neil Lennon was manager.
7. Bernie Slaven
Bernie Slaven – Middlesbrough
According to a report from the Scottish Sun, Albion Rovers legend Bernie Slaven wished his Dad could have seen him pull on a Celtic jersey during his career. The Middlesbrough legend said it was something he couldn’t make happen, however.
8. Joey Barton
Joey Barton
According to a report from the BBC, after departing Burnley, Joey Barton was keen on a move to Celtic Park, before joining their greatest rivals Rangers. Peter Lawwell, Celtic’s Chief Executive, claimed he was approached by representatives of Barton over a move for the player, before swiftly turning it down.
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