I’ve always wanted to join Celtic, but I worry that the transfer, which has been planned for years, is running out of time.

Asmir Begovic has admitted that joining Celtic has always been an appealing possibility, but the veteran goalkeeper fears that the opportunity to make the move could now be disappearing because of his age and the club’s current goalkeeping options.

The 39-year-old is currently without a club after departing Leicester City towards the end of last season. Begovic has enjoyed a long career in English football and has represented several clubs, but a move to Scotland has never materialised despite previous interest from both sides of the Old Firm.

Celtic were strongly linked with the experienced goalkeeper in 2024, following Joe Hart’s retirement. At the time, the Parkhead club needed to find a replacement for their long-serving No.1, but ultimately chose Kasper Schmeichel instead.

Begovic has now revealed that Celtic was a destination that genuinely interested him and confirmed that discussions had taken place in the past. However, with the goalkeeper approaching his 40th birthday and Celtic having strengthened their options between the posts, he accepts that the opportunity may have passed.

Celtic Move Was Always Attractive

Begovic has made no secret of his admiration for Celtic and the wider Scottish game. Although he has spent the majority of his professional career in England, he has always viewed the possibility of playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs as something special.

The former Premier League goalkeeper explained that Celtic had definitely been of interest to him and that conversations had taken place previously.

He also revealed that Rangers had been involved in discussions with him at different points, meaning both Old Firm giants have considered the experienced goalkeeper as a potential addition.

Despite those conversations, neither opportunity ultimately developed into a completed transfer.

Begovic acknowledged that transfers can depend on numerous factors, meaning interest alone is never enough to guarantee that a deal will be completed. Nevertheless, he remains proud of the fact that both Celtic and Rangers had shown interest in him.

Speaking to Hajper, Begovic explained that Celtic had certainly appealed to him and that he had spoken with both clubs previously, although circumstances meant that neither move eventually happened.

Time Could Be Running Out

The biggest obstacle now appears to be Begovic’s age.

At 39, the goalkeeper recognises that his window to play for Celtic may be closing. While his experience remains valuable, Celtic have already addressed their goalkeeping situation and currently have fewer reasons to bring in another veteran.

Sam Johnstone’s arrival from Wolves has strengthened the options available to the Scottish giants, making a move for Begovic increasingly difficult to imagine.

The former Leicester goalkeeper nevertheless insists that he has enormous respect for Celtic and Rangers and appreciates the importance of both clubs within Scottish football.

For Begovic, the attraction is not simply about joining a famous team. He also has genuine admiration for the Scottish Professional Football League and the intensity associated with its matches.

He believes the competitiveness of the SPFL is something English footballers can understand and appreciate, particularly because of the passion surrounding fixtures and the fierce rivalry between the major clubs.

Respect for Scottish Football

Begovic’s comments underline how highly he regards the Scottish game despite never having played regularly in the league.

The goalkeeper described the SPFL as highly competitive and praised the intensity that surrounds it. From his perspective, that atmosphere is something people involved in English football can relate to and respect.

For many players, an opportunity to play for Celtic or Rangers represents more than simply another transfer. The history, tradition and enormous support associated with the clubs can make the prospect particularly attractive.

Begovic clearly shares that view.

However, he also understands the realities of his current situation. With his career entering its later stages and Celtic already having secured Sam Johnstone, he believes time is running short if he is ever going to realise his ambition of playing for the Hoops.

The goalkeeper has therefore accepted that the transfer may never happen, although his admiration for Celtic remains obvious.

Begovic Also Discusses Eddie Howe

During the same conversation, Begovic was asked about another individual with previous links to Celtic: Eddie Howe.

Begovic worked closely with Howe during their time together at Bournemouth, giving him a personal understanding of the English coach’s qualities.

Howe has previously been linked with the Celtic job. In fact, the former Bournemouth manager held discussions with the Scottish club before Ange Postecoglou eventually became Celtic boss in 2021.

The possibility of Howe returning to the Celtic conversation has emerged again following his departure from Newcastle United.

Howe left Newcastle in July after a highly successful period in charge, which included winning the EFL Cup in 2025. He is now available and could attract attention whenever another major managerial vacancy becomes available.

Begovic, however, believes Howe may have ambitions beyond Scotland.

Howe’s Reputation Has Never Been Higher

The former Bournemouth goalkeeper believes Howe is likely to target one of the biggest managerial positions in world football when he decides he is ready to return.

Begovic praised the job his former manager did at Newcastle, describing his achievements as incredible. He also suggested that Howe left the club at a positive point in his career, with his reputation stronger than ever.

The England job is another position that has repeatedly been associated with Howe, and Begovic believes such a possibility is realistic in the future.

According to Begovic, Howe should be considered whenever a major managerial position becomes available because of the reputation he has established through his work in the Premier League.

That assessment could make a return to Celtic difficult. Although Howe has previously been close to taking the Parkhead position, his stock has risen considerably since then.

Celtic Dream May Never Happen

For Begovic, the situation is therefore rather different.

Celtic have already found their goalkeeper, while the veteran shot-stopper is nearing 40 and remains without a club. His previous discussions with both Old Firm clubs demonstrate that opportunities existed, but circumstances prevented either move from being completed.

Kyogo misses his golden chance!

Begovic has not completely ruled out the possibility, but his own words suggest he knows the opportunity is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Meanwhile, his comments about Howe demonstrate just how highly he rates his former manager. Begovic believes Howe deserves consideration for elite jobs and could eventually take charge of England.

For Celtic supporters, the goalkeeper’s revelation provides an interesting reminder of how attractive the club remains to experienced professionals, even when a transfer never materialises.

Begovic may never get the chance to play at Parkhead, but his admiration for Celtic and Scottish football remains clear. With the clock now ticking on his playing career, however, the long-discussed move appears closer than ever to becoming one of football’s transfers that simply never happened.