Former Scotland international Robert Snodgrass has revealed that a move to Celtic came close on three separate occasions during his career.
The ex-winger, who finished his playing days at Hearts before retiring in January 2024, enjoyed a successful career south of the border with clubs including Norwich City, Hull City, West Ham United and Aston Villa.
Despite earning more than 25 Scotland caps and spending much of his career in the Premier League, there was one move that always appealed to him.
Celtic.
Snodgrass has admitted that talks or discussions took place on several occasions, but for one reason or another, a deal never came to fruition.
Speaking to Record Sport, he said:
“It came close a couple of times. It was probably more just conversations but it did come around a few times.
“It came down to a few different reasons, sometimes the club I was at didn’t want to lose me.
“The love and attachment to Celtic always drove me to play a part in those talks but it never materialised for whatever political factors.
“I think there were three times when it was really close and two of those times I really tried.
“One was maybe a bit early after I’d moved.
“I sometimes felt, ‘if this never happens then it would be a tragedy!’
“It just never came off.
“But I can’t have any regrets or complaints as I look back now as a retired pro after a good career.
“I still love watching them and cheering them on.”
For Celtic supporters, it is another interesting “what if?” story.
Snodgrass enjoyed some of the best years of his career in England and would undoubtedly have brought quality and experience had a move ever happened.
Celtic had some great wingers over the years, particularly James Forrest and Paddy Roberts.
Instead, he remains one of a long list of players who came close to pulling on the green and white hoops but never quite got the chance.
Three near misses.
And one transfer that ultimately got away.
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