Celtic have reportedly missed out on Danish star Philip Zinckernagel who was available on a free transfer after leaving Norwegian Champions Bodo/Glimt. Zinckernagel excelled in Norway after moving from his native Denmark scoring 35 goals in 89 matches and providing 36 assists.
The player said that Celtic were involved with discussions relating to signing the 26-year-old after his deal expired with the Norwegian outfit. However, he opted to sign for English Championship side Watford. As reported by the Scottish Sun, Celtic were one of a few clubs that were touting for the signature of the Danish winger.
“I could have chosen to go to clubs where I would have earned more money. I preferred the sporting challenge to money, not that it’s a bad package I’ve got at Watford and it’s a five-and-a-half-year contract.
“I had offers from clubs in Turkey, the Netherlands, Schalke in Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and a lot in Eastern Europe. And additionally, Celtic were also involved.
“I had to make a decision before Brexit and I got the best feeling at Watford.
“It is a club with great potential. The overall package with their ambitions, finances and my opportunities for playing time was the best for me.”
This could prove to be a costly miss by Celtic. Neil Lennon’s side were on the end of a former Bodo/Glimt player when £4.5m signing for AC Milan Jens Petter Hauge proved his trickery in the Europa League group stage campaign games.
Neil Lennon and Nicky Hammond will be hoping that they are given funds to go into the marketplace and recruit a couple of players to improve the side ahead of the challenge of winning 10IAR.