Celtic have identified a number of top talents in recent times, who have arrived at Parkhead and made a big impression. At the same time, there have been some who the club were not able to sign despite being linked with them and they ended up finding success elsewhere. One name that immediately comes to mind in that regard is Kaoru Mitoma, who has become a star in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion. Another such player is Sacha Boey.
Boey was heavily linked with a move to Celtic in the summer of 2021, when the club were in need of a right-back. He was at Rennes at that point of time.
Boey would end up joining Galatasaray instead and has enjoyed a great time there, and is currently rated at around £12 million. On the other hand, Celtic went on to sign Josip Juranovic in the same transfer window and that proved to be a great move as well.
Boey has now explained his reasoning behind joining Galatasaray even though he had the opportunity to go to Celtic as well. In an interview with Transfermarkt, the right-back said:
"“I had other opportunities, such as Celtic for example, but I really got hooked on the club’s project. I know it may come as a surprise, but for me it was clear. I didn’t go to Galatasaray to stay there for the rest of my career. It is rather a big springboard to bounce back better.”"
£12 million player explains why he rejected Celtic move
Celtic should not be disappointed with how things turned out though. Juranovic did a great job during his time at the club before moving to Union Berlin this January, where he has been impressive to say the least.
On the other hand, Celtic would replace Juranovic with Alistair Johnston. He has done a wonderful job since arriving and not missed a beat, despite being given a starting role from the get go. Some even believe that he has improved the Hoops at right-back.
And when it comes to Boey, he might have a big future ahead of himself as well. The right-back has been linked with clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal in recent times.