Celtic’s Europa League campaign begins with a difficult trip to Serbia.
Red Star Belgrade await the Hoops in what promises to be a fiery atmosphere at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
After failing to qualify for the main phase of the Champions League, Celtic missed out on plenty of top targets.
That isn’t the first time this has happened, and on Wednesday 24 September, the Bhoys will come up against someone they tried to buy in 2013.
Marko Arnautovic rejected Celtic transfer in 2013
Marko Arnautovic is living his lifelong dream to play for his boyhood club.
Despite being born in Austria, Arnautovic is of Serbian descent and has always supported Red Star.
Now 36, he finally got to join the club in the 2025 summer transfer window.
He will play against the same side that tried to sign him while trying to force a move away from Werder Bremen, only for his agent to block it.
His agent, Roger Wittmann, told then-manager Neil Lennon: “Marko will not transfer there, I have already informed Celtic’s manager.”
Marko Arnautovic looking for first home goal as Red Star Belgrade player
Arnautovic has always been a lively character but has also got bags of talent.
Before Red Star, the 36-year-old was playing for Inter Milan, scoring seven goals in the 2024/25 campaign.
The forward has one goal from the league clash against Novi Pazar, but a goal in front of the home faithful on a European night would be the icing on the cake.
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