Besiktas have confirmed the £4 million signing of Valentin Rosier from Sporting Lisbon after Celtic pulled out of talks to bring the right-back to the Scottish Premiership.
Not even Derren Brown would have seen this coming.
As Anthony Ralston began the season as Celtic’s first-choice right-back, the narrative focused on the club’s failings in the transfer market. Critics said a player who had fallen out of favour under both Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon had been thrust back into the first-team picture out of necessity rather than talent.
Ralston, however, embarked on a run of form that made a mockery of those who suggested he was little more than a short-term solution to a long-standing problem.
In fact, Ralston has been so impressive Josip Juranovic, the £2.5 million Croatia international snapped up to great acclaim, has been forced to fill in on the left-hand side since arriving from Legia Warsaw.
Celtic tried to bag Valentin Rosier but Besiktas got him instead
Celtic looked at a host of options before settling on Juranovic. Targets ranged from George Baldock to Aurelio Buta and from Benson Anang to Sacha Boey.
25-year-old Rosier was also in contention for a while following a superb loan spell at Besiktas last time out.
He contributed seven assists and three goals as the Istanbul giants secured the Turkish Cup.
And, according to Sabah, Celtic pulled out of negotiations after learning Rosier had his heart set on a return to Vodafone Park. The forward-thinking Frenchman got his wish too, rejoining Besiktas on a deal that has now been made permanent.
“Transfer rights have been purchased by our club for €4,800,000 (£4 million),” a statement reads on the Besiktas website.
“An agreement has been reached with the player until the end of the 2024-25 season.”
With Besiktas top of the table and playing Champions League football, Rosier could be forgiven for assuming he’s made the right call.
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