Ex-Celt  Recalls Missed Rangers Opportunity

Ex-Celt  Recalls Missed Rangers Opportunity

Former Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic has revealed how he once came close to joining Rangers before eventually signing for their fierce rivals. The Montenegrin international, who left Celtic in the summer of 2024 after a season of mixed fortunes, has spoken about a missed opportunity to join the Ibrox side earlier in his career.

Career That Could Have Taken a Different Path

 

Haksabanovic, who played for several clubs across Europe before arriving at Celtic, shared that his career could have taken a very different turn had things panned out differently. “There was a moment earlier in my career where Rangers were interested in me,” he said in a recent interview. “It didn’t happen for one reason or another, but it’s interesting to think about how different things could have been if I had joined them.”

 

The Montenegrin winger didn’t specify exactly when the talks with Rangers occurred, but it’s believed the approach came during his time at West Ham United or later during his stint at Swedish side IFK Norrköping, before he eventually found his way to Celtic in 2022.

 

In a surprising twist of fate, Haksabanovic eventually landed at Celtic Park, where he enjoyed some bright moments under then-manager Ange Postecoglou. He made 40 appearances for the Hoops, scoring a handful of important goals, but struggled to cement himself as a regular starter in a competitive Celtic squad filled with attacking talent.

 

Reflecting on his time at Celtic, Haksabanovic admitted, “Celtic is a huge club with a massive history, and I felt privileged to play there. The fans are incredible, and the atmosphere in the derbies against Rangers was something special. I don’t regret choosing Celtic, but it’s always funny to think how football works — I could have ended up at Ibrox instead.”

 

His time at Celtic was defined by flashes of brilliance, including key contributions in the Scottish Premiership and domestic cups. However, inconsistency and competition for places meant that his long-term future at the club was never guaranteed.

 

Haksabanovic’s departure from Celtic came as part of a summer shakeup, with manager Brendan Rodgers opting for fresh faces to revamp the squad. The winger left Celtic Park in search of more regular playing time, joining Stoke City in the English Championship.

 

Despite leaving Scotland, Haksabanovic still holds the memories of the Old Firm rivalry close to his heart. “Those games are something else,” he said. “It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. You can feel the tension, the rivalry, the passion of the fans. I’ll always remember playing in those matches.”

 

For Rangers supporters, Haksabanovic’s comments serve as a reminder of the fine margins in football. Had Rangers secured his signature, the Montenegrin might have been lining up against Celtic instead of donning the green and white hoops. Given his technical skill and versatility on the wing, Haksabanovic could have been a valuable addition to Rangers’ squad during the seasons in which they battled Celtic for supremacy in Scottish football.

 

Haksabanovic’s missed opportunity with Rangers is part of football’s endless web of ‘what ifs’ — situations where a player’s career could have taken an entirely different trajectory. Though he never wore the light blue of Rangers, his time in Scotland will forever be linked to his contributions at Celtic and the intense rivalry he experienced on the pitch.

 

Now at Stoke City, Haksabanovic is focused on the next chapter of his career, hoping to rediscover his best form and enjoy regular first-team football. Reflecting on both his time at Celtic and the near miss with Rangers, the winger seems at peace with how his career has unfolded so far.

 

“I’ve had a lot of different experiences in football, and each one has taught me something. Whether it’s in Scotland, England, or anywhere else, I just want to play at my best and help my team achieve success,” he concluded.

 

For both Celtic and Rangers fans, Haksabanovic’s tale is a reminder of how football careers can hinge on the smallest of decisions, shaping the narratives of rivalries for years to come.

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