“Maybe my agent did and…” Celtic most important TRANSFER target FINALLY opens up on move to Celtic and…..

Josh Doig Reflects on Celtic Transfer Rumours and His Journey Beyond Scotland

In the world of football, the transfer window often stirs excitement, intrigue, and speculation. For Josh Doig, a player who carved his name at Hibernian before making a high-profile move to Serie A, the summer of 2024 was no different. The talented left-back, whose potential had been repeatedly recognised by both domestic and European scouts, found himself at the heart of one of the most talked-about transfer sagas in Scotland. With Celtic reportedly interested in his services, alongside other top clubs like Marseille and Rangers, many believed Doig was on the brink of a return to his homeland. However, in an exclusive interview with 67 Hail Hail, the player shed light on the reality behind the speculation and explained why a move to Celtic may have never been on the cards.

A Summer of Uncertainty: The Search for a Left-Back

Celtic’s summer transfer window was marked by the club’s search for a left-back to provide competition for Greg Taylor, who had firmly established himself as the team’s starting full-back under former manager Ange Postecoglou. With the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, a sense of urgency surrounded the recruitment of a new left-back, a position that had been identified as a potential weakness in the squad. While the club’s pursuit of Barcelona’s Alex Valle dominated the headlines, many fans were also hopeful that the homegrown talent, Josh Doig, could make a sensational return to Scotland after spending a few seasons in Italy.

The 22-year-old had long been a fixture in Scottish football, first making waves at Hibernian before securing a move to Serie A with Sassuolo. However, following a tough season in Italy that saw his team relegated from Serie A, Doig found himself linked with a return to the Scottish Premiership. His reputation had been built on solid performances, maturity beyond his years, and an impressive ability to defend with composure and drive forward when the opportunity arose. Celtic’s reported interest only added fuel to the fire.

Doig Opens Up on Transfer Speculation

Despite the frenzy surrounding his potential move to Celtic, Doig revealed that he was never fully aware of any concrete discussions involving the club. When asked about the supposed interest from Celtic, Doig was quick to downplay the rumour mill: “I didn’t hear anything, to be fair,” he said. “Maybe my agent did, but I’ve not heard anything. He doesn’t tell me anything. I keep away from all that.”

The young full-back acknowledged that, in the early days of his career, the noise surrounding transfer speculation would often get to his head. He admitted that during his first transfer window, he was overly excited by the idea of potentially joining one of the biggest clubs in Scotland. But with time, he learned to tune out the noise. “I was on Twitter every day looking at everything. So after that I was thinking, I need to stop. I don’t look at Twitter. I don’t look at anything,” Doig reflected. “I only hear something if my pals text me like, ‘You’re going there apparently.’ And I’ll be like, I’ve not heard anything, so it’s not happening.”

This level-headed approach to the transfer process is indicative of Doig’s maturity and focus. He explained that he was no longer interested in speculation unless a deal was done and dusted, ready for him to sign the papers. “I didn’t really want to hear anything unless the deal was done. Unless I needed to go and sign a paper, I’m not really interested,” he added.

The Impact of Scottish Football: A Dream, But Not the Next Step

While Josh Doig made it clear that he had not been actively involved in a potential move to Celtic, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the scale and prestige of the club. “Was Celtic speculation flattering? 100%,” he said, giving a nod to the undeniable pull of the Scottish giants. “They’re massive teams. Growing up, Celtic or Rangers, it’s the two biggest teams you could play for in Scotland.”

However, Doig’s career path seemed to veer away from the comfort of playing in the Scottish Premiership. “For me, I feel like I’ve just got out of Scotland,” he explained. “I feel like I’m just newly away from all that. So even if I went back there, I’d be back in my house, be back with mum and dad. I’ve just got out and I’m broadening my horizons.”

Doig’s perspective reflected a growing trend among young Scottish players, many of whom have chosen to explore opportunities abroad in search of personal growth and a broader footballing experience. Doig, who had already made the leap to Italy with Sassuolo, was keen on continuing his adventure in Europe, stating that the opportunity to experience different cultures was something that really appealed to him. “Obviously I’m not saying that going to Rangers or Celtic would be a bad thing, but it’s just like I’ve got away from it. I just want to experience different places, and I feel like football lets you do that.”

The Allure of Playing Abroad

Josh Doig’s move to Serie A signalled a clear desire to push his career beyond the confines of Scottish football. While many players in his position may have been content to stay within the British Isles, Doig’s decision to seek a move to Italy reflected his ambition and a deep desire to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Reflecting on his experience in Italy, Doig explained, “Playing abroad always tickled my fancy a bit.” His move to Serie A, despite Sassuolo’s relegation, had afforded him invaluable experience. It had allowed him to adapt to different styles of play and further develop his tactical awareness, something he might not have gained had he stayed in Scotland.

In addition, the opportunity to live and play in a different country and culture undoubtedly had an impact on his personal development. “I like new cultures, new things,” Doig remarked. “I’ve had the chance to experience something different, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

The Rivalry That Defines Scottish Football: Celtic and Rangers

Despite his decision to move abroad, Josh Doig’s connection to Scottish football remains deep-rooted. As a product of Hibernian’s youth academy, he experienced firsthand the intensity and passion that accompanies matches against the likes of Celtic and Rangers. Speaking about the infamous Glasgow derby, Doig acknowledged the unique atmosphere that defines both Celtic Park and Ibrox, two of the most iconic stadiums in world football.

“Playing at Celtic Park or Ibrox is unbelievable, it’ll be hard to match their atmosphere,” he said. “And the rivalry with Celtic and Rangers, Hearts and Hibs. For me, because I grew up there, there’s nothing bigger than that.”

The intense rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most well-known in football, not just for its passionate fans but for its significance in Scottish society. The fixtures between these two clubs are more than just matches; they are a representation of the country’s political and social divide. For a young player like Doig, these experiences will stay with him forever, as they mark the culmination of his early years in football.

A New Chapter in Italy

For now, Josh Doig’s journey lies in Italy, where he continues to grow as a player and as an individual. His decision to leave Scotland at such a young age has already paid off, with the defender becoming a regular feature in Serie A. His versatility, technical ability, and resilience have earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike, and he is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Italian top flight.

As he continues to build on his experiences in Italy, it is clear that Doig’s career will be shaped by his desire to explore new horizons. Whether or not he ever returns to Scotland to play for Celtic or Rangers remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Josh Doig’s journey is far from over.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

As one of Scotland’s brightest young talents, Josh Doig has already achieved so much in his career, and at just 22, his future looks even brighter. While the speculation linking him to Celtic may have been flattering, it’s clear that Doig’s decision to move abroad was driven by his desire for personal and professional growth. In a footballing world where ambition and the pursuit of new challenges are key to success, Josh Doig is poised to continue his journey with confidence, knowing that the future holds endless possibilities for a player who has already made his mark on the game.


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