Celtic signing rejected Premier League trio this summer

Very often, Celtic have ended up becoming a stepping stone to the Premier League for many players. Just this summer we saw Matt O'Riley join Brighton & Hove Albion after being the Hoops' best player last season. But there is someone who turned down the chance to join a trio of English top flight clubs to make the switch to Parkhead.

Celtic made eight additions this summer. The most impactful might very well have been the veteran signing of Kasper Schmeichel.

With Joe Hart retiring at the end of last season, Celtic were in need of a new number one. Most fans would have preferred for a long-term signing to be made but one cannot deny the positive impact that Schmeichel has made.

So far, Celtic have conceded just one league goal this season. And while seeing Borussia Dortmund score seven past Schmeichel did not make for great viewing, there is not much he could have done on the night. Perhaps the most important thing is the fact that the Danish international is playing for the Hoops because he wanted to, even over a return to the Premier League.

Celtic signing rejected Premier League trio this summer

As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet reports that Schmeichel had the chance to join Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and Wolves after his exit from Anderlecht before moving to Scotland. Explaining his decision to the outlet, he said:

"Playing for the title, as I am now doing at Celtic, and at the same time being at the highest level in the Champions League, motivates me.

"When I look back on my career, the moments I have enjoyed the most have been the few matches I have had in the Champions League.

"Of course, the Premier League has a very special place in my heart, but for me, it was an easy choice to go to Celtic, where I have come to a club that plays in the Champions League, must win every game and have 60,000 fans at the home games. Those are exactly the challenges that really motivate me.

"When it comes to football, money has never been a motivation for me."

Of course, Schmeichel has had quite the career. He won the Premier League and the FA Cup with Leicester City.

One would think that he could have easily made a move back to Premier League as a backup goalkeeper or even a more lucrative one outside Europe. But even at this point in his career, Schmeichel is pushing for wins, trophies and Champions League games. That is admirable.