Shakhtar Donestk boss Igor Jovicevic has discussed the possibility of his side signing former Celtic winger Marian Shved.
The Ukrainian champions were drawn in Group F on Thursday afternoon, alongside Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side, Real Madrid and RB Leipzig.
Having returned to league action last weekend, Shakhtar are continuing to recruit new players in the summer window for the season ahead.
The 25-year-old spent a two-year spell at Celtic Park, joining under Brendan Rodgers from his academy side in Ukraine, Karparty Liv.
Shved’s time in Glasgow was very short-lived, failing to make any real impact on the first team and the wide man only managed to rack up a handful of appearances for the Hoops.
Since his Celtic days, the winger has spent his time at Belgian league side KV Mechelen, looking to rejuvenate his career in Europe.
However, after joining Mechelen from Celtic on a permanent basis in 2021, it doesn’t seem as though the Ukrainian internationalist has been able to settle and is now looking for a move back home.
Shved has already gone as far as refusing to play for his side, with Shakhtar looking to strike a deal that would see him sign for the biggest club in Ukraine.
After Thursday’s Champions League draw, Shakhtar boss Igor Jovicevic was asked to discuss the possibility of Shved signing for the club, which would also see him mark a return to Celtic Park when the two sides face in Europe this season.
He said [Shakhtar.com]: “This is one of the players I know. I know for sure that his characteristics would help us. He is strong, fast, can play one-vs-one; he is a left-footer, that is very inconvenient as a right winger.
“He was requested to the national team when Andriy Shevchenko was the coach. I think he deserved to switch to Celtic after Karpaty by demonstrating his best football. Yes, he did not show himself on the maximum level during the last couple of years, but this is a question to other clubs and coaches.
“We will see what decision will be taken by scouting service and management and how successful will it be in general. However, such footballers will be useful for our team.”
It remains to be seen whether both parties will be able to strike a deal this summer. However, one thing appears clear, Shved wants the move to Shakhtar.
Seeing the winger come up against Celtic would undoubtedly be interesting after such a disappointing few years spent at Parkhead.
Knowing Celtic’s luck, it would just be typical for Shved to mark the return to his homeland with a goal against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
At this stage, though, that won’t be happening as negotiations continue to see if Shved will be playing Champions League Football against Celtic this season.
In other news, Christopher Jullien reflects on Celtic experience as he shares text exchange with ex-teammate.
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