Celtic Hero Rejected Six Offers to Leave on Deadline Day

We saw more departures than arrivals in the recently concluded January transfer window. David Turnbull and Yosuke Ideguchi left Celtic permanently, while others moved out on loan.

It was necessary for some as they were not getting enough playing time at Celtic Park. So, leaving made sense.

There are some who did end up choosing to stay even though they do not have major roles in Brendan Rodgers' plans. James Forrest seems to fall under that category.

Forrest has been longer at Celtic than anyone in the current squad. It appears that he did have more than enough opportunities to leave in the winter.

According to Football Insider, Forrest was wanted by several clubs on deadline day but rejected a move. He rebuffed six offers on February 1, instead choosing to remain at Parkhead.

Forrest has not contributed much on the pitch for Celtic for a long time. He is an exceptional professional to have around though and his experience is invaluable as well.

Forrest has been used as a substitute on a lot of occasions this season as well and still has a role in the squad, even if not a starring one.

Celtic did see two wingers leave recently, while Nicolas Kuhn was brought in in a £3 million deal from Rapid Vienna.

Mikey Johnston joined West Brom Albion and Marco Tilio moved back to Melbourne City FC. Both are loan deals for the rest of the season.

This could potentially result in Forrest getting some more opportunities in the second half of the season.

Forrest does have a decent bit of time left on his current deal with Celtic. It is believed to run till summer 2025.

Of course, Forrest is not a long-term solution for Celtic on the wing. He is 32 years old and has been a squad player, at best, for the past several years.

With all the speculation about Liel Abada's future at the club, one can only hope that the Kuhn signing pays off in the long run for Celtic.