Sport nationCeltic’s Near Miss: James Justin
Celtic’s transfer history is filled with intriguing what-ifs, and one notable example is their failed pursuit of James Justin in 2021. The Scottish giants were eager to sign the talented right-back, but ultimately lost out to Leicester City, who secured his signature for £8 million.
At the time, Celtic were seeking a replacement for Mikael Lustig, and Justin was one of their top targets. A transfer document leak revealed that the English full-back was on their radar, alongside other notable names. However, Leicester’s interest proved decisive, and Justin opted to join the Foxes instead.
Justin’s journey to Leicester was marked by impressive performances for Luton Town in the 2018-19 campaign, earning him a spot in the League One Team of the Season. His potential and talent made him a coveted asset, with several top-tier clubs vying for his signature.
Fast-forward to the present, and Justin’s value has significantly increased. Despite facing setbacks, including a torn cruciate ligament and ruptured Achilles tendon, he has become an integral part of Leicester’s squad. With 134 appearances, nine goals, and six assists under his belt, Justin has demonstrated his quality and adaptability.
One of the most notable aspects of Justin’s career is his versatility. He has played 96 games as a left-back, showcasing his ability to adapt to different positions. This flexibility would have been invaluable for Celtic, who often require players to fill multiple roles.
Celtic’s failure to sign Justin can be seen as a fortunate event, as they subsequently discovered Jeremie Frimpong’s talent. Signed from Manchester City for £300,000 in 2019, Frimpong quickly became an essential player for the Hoops. His attacking prowess and defensive skills made him a fan favorite, and his value skyrocketed.
In January 2021, Bayer Leverkusen swooped in to sign Frimpong for £11.5 million, a significant profit for Celtic. Frimpong’s current market value stands at £42 million, surpassing Justin’s £12.5 million.
While Celtic’s near miss on Justin can be viewed as a blessing in disguise, it’s intriguing to consider how he would have fit into their lineup alongside Frimpong. Both players possess exceptional attacking and defensive skills, and their combination could have formed a formidable partnership.
Justin’s Leicester career has been marked by resilience and determination. After suffering a torn cruciate ligament in February 2021, he spent 331 days and 68 competitive matches on the sidelines. His return was impressive, but another setback followed in November 2022, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon.
Despite these challenges, Justin has continued to grow and develop. His strong start to the 2024-25 Premier League season, with two goals in six games, demonstrates his enduring quality.
In retrospect, Celtic’s failure to sign Justin may have been a fortunate event, given Frimpong’s subsequent success. However, it’s undeniable that Justin would have brought significant value to the Hoops. His versatility, attacking prowess, and defensive skills would have made him an excellent addition.
As Celtic continues to navigate the transfer market, their near miss on Justin serves as a reminder of the complexities and unpredictabilities involved. While Frimpong’s success has softened the blow, the what-if surrounding Justin’s potential impact remains an intriguing topic for discussion.
Celtic’s transfer strategy has evolved since their pursuit of Justin, with a renewed focus on developing young talent and making shrewd signings. The club’s ability to identify and cultivate exceptional players has been evident in recent years.
Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic has brought stability and direction, with the Northern Irish manager enjoying significant backing from the board. The club-record £11 million signing of Arne Engels and the £9.5 million acquisition of Adam Idah demonstrate their commitment to building a strong squad.
As Celtic looks to the future, their near miss on Justin serves as a reminder of the fine margins involved in transfer dealings. While Frimpong’s success has eased the pain, the potential of what could have been remains an intriguing footnote in Celtic’s transfer history.
In the world of football transfers, timing and circumstance play crucial roles. Celtic’s failure to sign Justin may have been a blessing in disguise, but it also highlights the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the transfer market.
The Celtic supporters will continue to speculate about what could have been if Justin had joined the Hoops. Nevertheless, the club’s continued success and growth under Brendan Rodgers’ guidance provide optimism for the future.
As the transfer landscape continues to evolve, Celtic’s near miss on Justin will remain an intriguing what-if, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football transfers.
The future is bright for Celtic, with a talented squad and a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players. While James Justin’s potential impact will forever remain a mystery, the Hoops’ faithful can take comfort in knowing that their club continues
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Amina Umar