“There were lots of offers, BUT…” – Top goalkeeper reveals why he didn’t JOIN Celtic last summer despite the OFFERS submitted for him.

Swiss goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo has opened up about the circumstances that prevented his transfer to Celtic during the summer transfer window. Despite the Scottish giants’ need for a new goalkeeper following Joe Hart’s retirement, and the player’s interest in leaving Lorient after their relegation from Ligue 1, the move failed to materialize due to financial constraints.

Celtic’s Goalkeeper Hunt

After Joe Hart announced his retirement, Celtic began searching for a capable replacement. The club eventually signed experienced Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. However, Mvogo was among the candidates heavily linked with a move to the club during the window. The 30-year-old Swiss international, who had a contract with Lorient, was eager to find a new challenge following his club’s drop to the French second division.

A number of teams, including Manchester United, were reportedly interested in Mvogo, yet no deal came through before the transfer deadline. Speaking to Blick, a Swiss publication, Mvogo revealed that clubs, including Celtic, were hesitant to pay a transfer fee, which hindered the negotiations.

Clubs Seeking Free Agents

When asked directly about the interest from Celtic, Parma, and Augsburg, Mvogo explained:
“Yes, there were a lot of offers. They all came relatively early. At that point, I wanted to take my time with the decision. I couldn’t have imagined how difficult the market would be during the summer. Many clubs wanted free goalkeepers or ones that could be loaned out. But I had a contract with Lorient, which meant a transfer fee would have been due.”

This admission highlights a growing trend in modern football where clubs prioritize free agents or short-term loan deals to minimize transfer expenditure. Mvogo’s situation was a casualty of this financial prudence.

Contrasting Decisions by Celtic

Interestingly, despite refusing to pay a transfer fee for Mvogo, Celtic broke their club-record transfer fee to secure midfielder Arne Engels from Bundesliga side Augsburg. Engels’ signing was made possible by funds generated from the sale of Matt O’Riley to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the summer.

The decision to invest heavily in Engels underscores Celtic’s strategic priorities during the transfer window. While they were willing to spend on reinforcing their midfield, they opted for a more cost-effective solution in goal by acquiring Schmeichel on favorable terms.

Mvogo’s Future at Lorient

Despite remaining at Lorient, Mvogo is expected to play a key role for the French side this season as they aim to bounce back to Ligue 1. The goalkeeper’s experience and skill make him a vital asset for the team, but it remains to be seen if another opportunity for a transfer will arise in future windows.

Mvogo’s reflections suggest that a move to Celtic could have been a mutually beneficial arrangement. With Schmeichel now firmly established as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper, Mvogo’s chance to join the Hoops may have passed.

This case highlights the delicate balance clubs must strike during transfer windows, managing both financial constraints and squad requirements. For players like Mvogo, contractual obligations and market dynamics can sometimes turn promising opportunities into missed chances.