Ahead of the World Cup and further into the summer transfer window, there was confidence in Belgium that a club, probably from the Premier League, would swoop in to sign Dedryck Boyata from Celtic.
It just made sense from a Belgium perspective. Here was a defender playing for his country at the World Cup, and he started the tournament in the team, with a year left on his contract, and who wanted a transfer… the pieces fit together and it was just a matter of time.
Celtic, however, wouldn’t be pushed into a deal they didn’t want, and despite all the fanfare no club came forward with a fee that would please the Scottish Premiership side.
Boyata agitated for his move, there were disagreements, but he ended back in the Celtic team and under the command of Brendan Rodgers.
Quoted by Belgian newspaper HLN, Jacques Lichtenstein said there are ‘dozens of teams’ who want the player, and added: “We have plenty of choice.”
Fulham are mentioned, but without detail, and an extension with Celtic ruled out: “We don’t even talk.”
