Glasgow Celtic have made some brilliant signings during their history, with the Hoops dominating Scottish football, especially in the modern era.

The likes of Henrik Larsson and Stylian Petrov made the move to Parkhead in the late 1990s and became club legends, whereas more recently, Premier League title-winning goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel decided to head to Scotland in a transfer that caught the eye.

Some high-profile names have played in green and white, however, plenty of other iconic stars almost made the move to Glasgow down the years in cases of what could have been at Celtic Park.

10 stars who Celtic almost signed 10 David Ginola

After starring for Paris Saint-Germain in the 1990s, David Ginola was a man in demand in the UK, with Celtic battling numerous Premier League clubs for his signature in 1995.

However, the skilful winger chose to join Newcastle over the Hoops, admitting he turned down the chance to head to Celtic Park. Talking back in 2016, Ginola said:

“It wasn’t a question of money. The money was probably the same. We were talking about playing in the Scottish Premier League or playing in the Premier League. It was as simple as that. I had the pen in my hands, ready to sign. I just said ‘I need to think about it’.”

9 Didier Drogba

Striker Didier Drogba would go on to become a Chelsea and Premier League icon after moving to the UK in 2004, however, by the sounds of things, he could have done so sooner with Celtic.

Former Celtic defender Momo Sylla played with Drogba at Le Mans and admitted that the centre-forward asked about a move to Glasgow in the early 2000s.

A case of what could have been for the Hoops, who at the time had the likes of Chris Sutton and John Hartson leading the line.

8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Another forward on Celtic’s radar in the early 2000s was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although the club would land a Swedish star in Larsson.

Former SFA Chief Gordon Smith recommended Ibrahimovic to Martin O’Neill in 2001 when he was still a teenager, however, the Hoops stuttered which allowed Ajax to sign him for £7m from Malmo.

Games

3

Wins

2

Losses

1

Goals

0

7 Alessandro Del Piero

After spending close to 20 years as a Juventus player, Alessandro Del Piero was on the search for a new club at the age of 37 in 2012.

The Italian icon had an offer from Celtic on the table, however, instead of remaining in Europe, Del Piero would head to Australian with Sydney FC, scoring a goal every there game in just under 50 appearances.

“When I left Juventus, I had the chance to join Celtic – but I rejected their offer because I didn’t want to play for another team in Europe. I had already decided to leave the continent.”

6 Hernan Crespo

Another world-class attacker who could have ended his career in Scotland with Celtic was Hernan Crespo. The Argentine played and scored goals for the likes of Lazio, Chelsea, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Celtic wanted to secure Crespo’s services in January 2010 when Tony Mowbray was in charge, however, he snubbed the Hoops and returned to Parma.

5 Rivaldo

Five years on from winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999, Brazil legend Rivaldo was on the search for a new club after leaving AC Milan.

The forward was 32 and heading into the twilight years of his career, and instead of tabling a contract offer, Celtic and O’Neill instead offered Rivaldo a trial. The Brazilian was left puzzled and instead signed for Greek giants Olympiacos.

“Yep, some British clubs offered me a trial, Celtic and Bolton spring to mind. At the time it surprised me because I was in good form when I left AC Milan, so I did not understand their offer and the objective of it.”

4 Olivier Giroud

Continuing the long list of forwards who almost moved to Scotland is Olivier Giroud, who netted an impressive 21 goals in the 2009/10 season while with Ligue 2 side Tours.

Celtic and Mowbray wanted to sign him as a result, but he chose Montpellier instead and would go on to become France’s all-time record goalscorer.

3 Sol Campbell

In what would be his final move as a player in 2010, legendary English centre-back Sol Campbell could have moved to Scotland.

In fact, the former Arsenal and Tottenham defender was even given a tour of the city centre and Celtic’s Lennoxtown training base ahead of linking up with Neil Lennon’s side.

However, he would turn down the transfer at the last minute and sign for Newcastle, where he was released a year later.

2 Alfredo Di Stefano

Way back in the 1960s, Celtic almost shocked Europe by signing Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano.

The Argentine attacker scored more than 200 goals at the Bernabeu and was into the final years of his career when leaving Madrid in 1964.

Celtic manager Jimmy McGrory flew over to Spain with defender John Cushley, who acted as an interpreter, looking to lure Di Stefano to Glasgow. However, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner decided to remain in Spain with Espanyol.

1 Ivan de la Pena

Rounding off the list of stars Celtic could have signed is former Barcelona midfielder Ivan de la Pena.

Starring under Bobby Robson at the Nou Camp, De la Pena was of interest to the Hoops and O’Neill in 2003, with the Spaniard evening training with Celtic before returning to Espanyol.