Celtic transfer news bulletin as David Strelec lifts lid on botched move and ex ‘target' slapped with £21m price tag
The Hoops reportedly saw a £7million big knocked back for the Slovakian star in the winter window
One-time Celtic transfer target David Strelec has opened up on his collapsed switch to Parkhead back in January.
Brendan Rodgers ' side reportedly had a £7million bid knocked back by Slovan Bratislava for the forward, who they had identified as a potential replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi following the Japan star's £10million move to Rennes in Ligue 1.
After the window had closed, the player's dad (Milan Strelec) had confirmed Celtic's interest in the Slovakia international and that the move did not happen because they were unwilling to meet Bratislava's £9.5million asking price.
And the 24-year-old - who featured against the Hoops in the Champions League earlier this season - admits the end of the January window was hectic while his future hung in the balance. He said: "I would be lying if I said January was a completely easy period.
"There were a lot of discussions. It was hectic, but it's over. I had to shake myself off and adjust to what awaited me for the rest of the season.
"Once the transfer window closed, I had to try my best to help Slovan win the title. There have been many versions written about what happened, but that's the truth.
"But I certainly have no objection to staying at Slovan after the summer. I am happy here. We have an excellent team and if the management strengthens and renews it properly, as they plan, we can go far in Europe again.
"So my future depends on mutual communication with the club and whether I come to an agreement with any other teams.
"I had a spell abroad already at Spezia in Italian football and although the language was a problem, let's be honest, if I scored in every match, I would definitely have made it. I lacked individual quality in Italy.
"I admit I found it really hard communicating too. If I had offers from two equally good clubs, one from the English Premier League and the other from Serie A, it wouldn't be a difficult decision. Definitely England.
"It's been four years since I left here to go to Italy. Now I have more experience. I have perhaps even improved in some ways.
"So, when I leave, it will be a different David Strelec. For me, it will be important what style of the team I should go to play and how the manager perceives me. I don't have a preferred country, a league or a team at the moment.
"It will be important that I go where I will play, where I will be satisfied."
Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis is another name who has been linked with Celtic in the last 12 months.
The Greece international has netted 11 goals in 41 matches this season and played in both of his country's games in their Nations League relegation play-off triumph against Scotland in March.
Panathinaikos are said to be bracing themselves for interest in the player this summer but Greek outlet Sportime claim that they will not entertain any offers of less than €25million (£21million).
Elsewhere, it was an all-Celtic affair in the A-League on Sunday as one forgotten Hoops star and £3.5million flop traded goals in Melbourne City''s 5-1 thrashing of Sydney FC.
Tillio, who is on a season-long loan in his native Australia, bagged Melbourne's third goal in the handsome victory with Klimala - who managed just three goals in 28 appearances for Celtic - netting Sydney's consolation strike.
Former Dundee United and Australia international Aziz Behich was also on the scoresheet, opening the scoring in the rout. The win has secured Melbourne's qualification for the Asian Champions League which could bank them a lucrative $1.27m AUD (£614,000).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Snoop Dogg reveals new plans for Glasgow's Celtic Park
The 53-year-old hip-hop icon and longtime Celtic supporter said he wants to challenge the reputation of underwhelming stadium food by bringing high-quality burgers to the stands. In an interview with the Sunday Mail, he said: 'There has always been the opinion that food at sports stadiums is never good, but that ain't got to be the case. 'People know that Snoop is a cook, and I would love to bring a pop-up burger to a sports stadium to show fans that food at stadiums can be good. 'It's got to be Celtic Park, man, I mean, where else am I going to bring it?" READ MORE: Celtic's Greg Taylor 'agrees' PAOK deal but deadline set to overcome last hurdle Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, described the secret to a great burger as being all in the preparation. He said: 'The secret to a good burger is the love in the preparation. "The ground beef has got to be mixed with some secret spices, then add a good quality cheese and some maple-cured bacon. 'The Celtic fans are gonna love it, and to make sure they are just right, Snoop is going to be serving them himself.' A self-confessed foodie, Snoop has appeared on numerous cooking shows alongside Martha Stewart and even authored a best-selling cookbook titled From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen. He's now set his sights on Scotland, revealing he hopes to open a restaurant in Glasgow with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The rap icon revealed: 'I have told him I want to open a restaurant with him, and maybe it might even be in Glasgow. 'For real – we are always swapping cooking tips, and I do mean swapping. 'It's not just one-way traffic, I send him tips as well – he respects Snoop as a chef." READ MORE: Major roads in Glasgow to close for 17 hours for Tour of Britain cycling final However, the California rapper has no plans to take the burger venture across the city to Celtic's rivals. When asked whether he'd consider bringing his burgers to Ibrox, Snoop replied: 'Am I going to bring my burgers to Rangers as well? Nah, I think we will give that a miss!' Celtic Park is already known for embracing bold flavours and street food innovation. In 2023, Smokey Trotters Kitchen, a popular Glasgow eatery from the Barras Market, served up Katsu Fries—chips topped with salt and chilli chicken, cheese, curry sauce, crispy onions, and coriander. Dishes like Scheme Poutine, loaded with haggis, cheese, crispy onions and peppercorn sauce, have also become fan favourites. Snoop, who last performed in Glasgow in 2023, has been a vocal supporter of Celtic since their run to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, and this latest venture deepens his connection to the club and its fans.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
‘I know the facts' – Rasmus Hojlund breaks silence on Man Utd exit rumours as Champions League giants line up transfer
MUS BE STAYING? 'I know the facts' – Rasmus Hojlund breaks silence on Man Utd exit rumours as Champions League giants line up transfer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RASMUS HOJLUND has broken his silence on reports that suggest he will leave Manchester United. Rumours began to circulate earlier this week that the Red Devils want to cut their losses on the 22-year-old this summer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Rasmus Hojlund is 'dedicated' to Man Utd Credit: Getty Hojlund is said to be on the radar of Inter Milan, who could be willing to splash £40million on him. But the striker revealed he expects to remain at Old Trafford for next season. Hojlund told Sport TV2 after Denmark beat Northern Ireland 2-1 in a friendly yesterday: "I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. "I'm looking forward to going on a summer holiday and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL LIONESS LOVE SPLIT England's Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married gym trainer "I know I can't get much out of reading things. "I know what the facts are - and that is that I have a contract with Manchester United until 2030. "I expect to play there, so I'm just getting ready for a summer holiday and then hopefully a good pre-season." Hojlund arrived from Atalanta two years ago in a deal worth an initial £64million, with £8million in potential add-ons. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 2 But the Dane has struggled to live up to the price tag, scoring just ten goals in 52 appearances in the season just finished. Despite his Man Utd difficulties, Hojlund is still rated highly in Italy and Napoli have also been linked with a shock swoop. Paul Scholes says Man Utd must keep Rasmus Hojlund and reveals how to get the best out of him Ruben Amorim wants to add more attacking talent to his squad in addition to completing a £62.5m deal for Wolves star Matheus Cunha. A reunion with Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres is on the cards for £60m. And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Tottenham will battle Man Utd for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Clement names five Rangers stars who can make club money
Gers have been criticised for their player trading model over the years, one of the factors in them falling behind Celtic who have sold Kieran Tierney, Jota and Matt O'Riley, among others, for huge sums. It was something Clement bemoaned while manager as the club allowed the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos to see out their deals and move on for nothing, when there may have been chances to cash in earlier. However, the likes of Hamza Igamane and Nicolas Raskin have been attracting transfer interest having shown they can be assets. And the Belgian reckons they're not the only ones - adding Jefte, Clinton Nsiala and Mohamed Diomande to that. "But you also have Jefte, Hamza Igamane, Clinton Nsiala, who will have a better value. Mohamed Diomande is also one of those guys. "The club has worked well the past year in that way. "There are now four or five players with the value to sell and several teams would pay good amounts of money. "The club needs to build with that, or the new owners have to say 'we don't do it that way now because we have enough money'."
