Scott McTominay has established himself as a bona fide hero of Scottish football.
Once a hardworking squad player at Manchester United, he is now idolised at Napoli as a Serie A Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or nominee.
But things could’ve been very different. In 2019, he had made just six Premier League appearances for United in the first half of the season, drawing Celtic’s attention.
Talks took place over a loan move, but a number of circumstances prevented it from happening. 67 Hail Hail has revisited them…
You have been given £10m to sign one player for Celtic in the summer transfer window…
Which player are you spending that money on?
Brendan Rodgers commented on ‘fantastic’ Scott McTominay amid Celtic reports
Asked about the reports at the time, then-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said: “There’s lots of speculation around players, so I wouldn’t comment.
“He’s a very good young player. When he broke into the team at Manchester United, I think he showed that. He’s a fantastic talent, but there’s nothing more to say.”
READ MORE: Every Celtic signing from the EFL Championship in the last decade
McTominay later revealed that the loan had been an option, saying: “About a year-and-a-half ago, there was a time when it might have been a possibility but then somebody else leaves or something like that.
“And then your opportunity comes and you have to take it. You hear loads of stories about boys going on loan, and different things like that, and I always had it in my head that I don’t want that.
“I want to be showing myself here first and, if it doesn’t work here, then you go somewhere else.
“For me, you hear the stories about getting the life of luxury at Manchester United and people take that for granted; like the food in the canteen, your kit being laid out for you every morning.
“People just expect that and you have to always remember where you came from, in that respect, and always appreciate what people do for you. I feel like that is the culture that is brought through for us.”
The Daily Record had reported that the move was “on the cards” that winter, with Sky Sports confirming that the clubs were in talks.
McTominay mentions the moment when his opportunity arrived. That moment came in the same month as Celtic’s interest, as the sale of Marouane Fellaini vacated a spot in United’s midfield.
The Scotland international’s own personal affinity also made him reluctant to leave, as he remained for years until he finally made the decision to move to Naples.
Who is that one player Celtic never signed that they should have gone all out for?
Other ‘what if’ Celtic signings
Through the years, Celtic have had their fair share of near hits in the transfer market.
The John McGinn saga has been done to death at this point; Aston Villa simply pushed harder for the midfielder and have since enjoyed the rewards for doing so.
Ireland hero Troy Parrott had a trial and offer from Celtic at a younger age, though once again, the Hoops’ interest was outweighed by that of Tottenham.
Speaking of Ireland heroes, Seamus Coleman also came close to Celtic, before making his famous £60,000 move to Everton.
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