Banik Ostrava striker Ladislav Almasi insists that he knows ‘nothing’ about a potential move to Scottish Premiership giants Celtic this summer, speaking to Slovakian publication Sport.
You only need to look at Antonio Colak to realise the pulling power of the Old Firm.
Colak turned down multiple offers from across Europe in order to put pen to paper with Rangers instead, having been struck by the iconic Ibrox atmosphere during last year’s Champions League qualifier between Malmo and the Glasgow giants.
Almasi now has first-hand experience of just how passionate the Scottish support can be too. Celtic’s travelling fans put on a typically colourful display during last week’s trip in the Czech Republic.
“It was played in front of full stands,” Almasi reflects, his Banik Ostrava side finding themselves on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline.
“It was an experience for me, even though it was just a friendly match. I felt like we were playing in a European competition. The club and the fans deserved something like this and everyone enjoyed it.
“You could see that Celtic have a higher quality than us. And, technically, their players surpassed us. Our opponent’s victory was absolutely deserved.”
Is Ladislav Almasi joining Celtic?
It seems unlikely that Almasi will be joining Colak in Scotland’s second city this summer, however.
The 23-year-old Slovakia international has been linked with a move to Celtic in some quarters. But Almasi, who scored 16 goals last season, is keen to distance himself from those reports.
“All I can say is that I also learned about it from a newspaper. That’s your media speculation. I know nothing about it,” says Almasi, a 6ft 5ins poacher in the Giorgios Giakoumakis mould.
“When something concrete is on the table, then we can talk about it. However, I don’t know of any specific offer yet.
“I don’t expect anything to change in two weeks. But you know, I always live for the present and don’t worry about what will happen.
“The transfer window is long. But, today, I am an Ostrava player. I am concentrating on doing the best possible job for Banik.”
Tellingly, Banik Ostrava coach Pavel Vrba struck a similarly nonplussed tone quizzed about Celtic’s alleged interest a couple of weeks ago too (iSport).
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