Troy Deeney has now revealed that he rejected a move to Celtic in 2021 in favour of accepting the “least attractive” option available to him.
What’s the story?
Well, the 34-year-old could have joined Celtic when he became a free agent back in July 2021 after his contract at Watford expired, where he scored 140 goals in 419 appearances across 11 years in London.
However, Deeney decided to reject the Scottish giants in favour of a move to Birmingham.
Speaking to Chris Kamara and Ben Shephard on Kammy and Ben’s Proper Football Podcast, the man with 47 Premier League goals said: “When I parted ways at Watford, there were options to go to Celtic, Middlesbrough, abroad or Birmingham.
“Birmingham was the least attractive in terms of what it was, and it wasn’t everything that was sold at the start, but now I understand the dynamics of it.
“It’s going to be more about time than money. It’s a question of do you want to invest more time or do you go thanks, but no thanks and move on to pastures new.”
Deeney has enjoyed a decent campaign at Birmingham this season despite his talents waning at the age of 34.
The Birmingham-born striker has scored seven goals in 31 Championship appearances for the Blues.
Celtic coped with Deeney rejection well
In our view, Deeney would have made a real impact in Scotland – not just any striker can score 47 goals in the Premier League.
However, Ange Postecoglou coped with the rejection well, as he went on to bring Kyogo Furuhashi to Glasgow instead.
The Japan international has been a roaring success at Celtic, scoring 46 goals in 72 appearances to help the Bhoys lift the Scottish Premiership title as well as two Scottish League Cups.
With Celtic on course to win another Scottish Premiership title this season, nobody at Parkhead is looking back at Deeney’s rejection with much disappointment.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
