Lex Immers has claimed that he snubbed Celtic in order to join Club Brugge.
Club Brugge’s new signing Lex Immers claims that he snubbed Celtic in order to join the Belgian side, as quoted by The Scottish Sun.
Attacking midfielder Immers, 30, enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Cardiff City last season having been frozen out at Feyenoord, and his five goals in 15 games convinced the Bluebirds to make his move permanent.
Lex Immers celebrates scoring for Cardiff City
However, the Dutchman couldn’t replicate his form and failed to score in 13 appearances this season, before being released from his contract by Neil Warnock earlier this month.
After his release, Dutch newspaper Voetbal International reported that a number of clubs were interested in signing Immers as a free agent, and Celtic were one such team.
Brendan Rodgers may be looking for a number 10 to compete with Tom Rogic in the Celtic side, and Immers could have been a low-cost option for the Bhoys.
Lex Immers with Mark Little of Bristol City
However, Immers was presented as a Club Brugge player on Friday, having penned an 18-month contract with the Belgian side, and he discussed the rival interest in his signature.
Immers, as quoted by The Scottish Sun, claimed that Celtic, Stuttgart, AZ Alkmaar and Utrecht all wanted to sign him, but he chose Club Brugge having been taken to watch them as a kid by his father – and that made his decision very easy.
“My father used to take me occasionally to watch Brugge as a kid,” said Immers. “So when they wanted me, as well as Celtic, Stuttgart, AZ Alkmaar and Utrecht, my choice was made very quickly.
“When I left Cardiff I though I might return to Dutch football, but this opportunity was too good to turn down,” he added.
Immers has blown hot and cold throughout his career, and whilst Celtic may have been interested in him as a short-term option, Brendan Rodgers probably won’t be losing too much sleep after missing out on a 30-year-old free agent.
Would you have liked to see Celtic sign Immers?
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