The Slovakian forward was previously a big target for the Hoops before joining Middlesbrough in the summer
16:26, 08 Oct 2025Updated 20:30, 08 Oct 2025
Middlesbrough striker David Strelec(Image: PA)
David Strelec has revealed just how a potential move to Celtic fell through – with Middlesbrough ultimately winning the race to land the Slovan Bratislava star in the summer.
The striker was coveted by Brendan Rodgers back in January, with the player’s dad going as far to say that the Hoops saw an £8million bid thrown out by the Slovakian outfit.
Strelec was once again linked with the champions during the summer window but completed a deadline day move to EFL Championship side Boro, where he has already got off the mark with a goal in his first two appearances.
And the 24-year-old has now opened up on Celtic’s interest, stating that complications arose due to the involvement of an agent.
He said: “Celtic was a more realistic option in the winter, whereas this summer, it was basically not an option at all. What surprised me was their media put it out, though my father probably didn’t help with his words!
“There were only two serious options this summer. Monterrey in Mexico and Middlesbrough. I had a call with Monterrey, but I was much more inclined to Middlesbrough.
“I wanted to stay in European football. Celtic were there in the winter but it all got complicated around an agent they were using that wasn’t my agent. It all got complicated.
“Of course, Celtic is a big club. It wasn’t an easy decision. But I’d also spoken with Middlesbrough in the winter – I spoke with their scout and sporting director – and I could feel that they really wanted me. I just felt if I could get a transfer here it would be a really good move.”
Meanwhile the Parkhead giants have been warned that Brendan Rodgers still has the ambition to have another crack at management down south.
That’s according to ex Hoops favourite Kelvin Wilson, who could even see the Irishman replacing former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, with the Aussie already coming under huge pressure to stay in a job just weeks into his tenure at Nottingham Forest.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers(Image: SNS Group)
“He’s (Rodgers) had some great jobs at some massive, massive clubs”, Wilson, speaking to Gambling.com, who specialise in ranking and reviewing the best online casino and betting sites, said. “I don’t think Brendan Rodgers is an old guy. He’s not ready to retire. If his ambitions and expectations don’t match what Celtic’s are, would he be wrong to?
“I’m not going to take him [Brendan Rodgers] away from Celtic. I’m a Celtic and Forest man…But Brendan’s a great manager. If he did come down to the City Ground, I’m sure he would do a great job like he has at Celtic.”
And finally, birthday boy Alistair Johnston has teased a return to action as he steps up his recovery from injury.
The Canada international was forced off in the first leg of the Champions League play-off defeat to Kairat Almaty, with Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan slotting in at right back in his absence.
Boss Rodgers had stated that the 27-year-old is set to come back into the fold when they travel north to face Dundee on October 19 and the player himself appears to have confirmed that everything is going to plan.
Writing on Instagram in response to a post by the club wishing him a happy birthday, he said: “Thank you, back soon.”