Chief Football Writer Mark Guidi what made Celtic FC. to fail to sign the 22-year-old defender Aaron Hickey from Hearts

Over the years, Celtic has received commendation from numerous sources regarding its transactions in the transfer market.

In the most recent financial statements, Celtic achieved a record revenue of £124.6m as a result of the player trading model.

In order to maintain Celtic’s financial stability, it is evident that effective recruitment is essential. Consequently, Celtic fans may occasionally experience feelings of frustration when they hear tales about players who were unable to be acquired for a nominal fee but subsequently achieved significant success.

There are numerous caveats to the narrative of John McGinn’s unsuccessful Celtic transfer, and it continues to be a source of pain to this day.

However, when discussing youthful talent in Scotland, Mark Guidi disclosed that Celtic failed to secure Aaron Hickey due to their refusal to pay Hearts the amount they were seeking for the Scotland defender.

Aaron Hickey could have been acquired by Celtic for an additional £400,000.

Ultimately, Hickey relocated from Hearts to Bologna, where he achieved success and secured a significant transfer to Brentford.

Guidi believes that the reason Celtic and Rangers do not pursue young Scottish talent more frequently may be due to the recruitment practices of both clubs. He revealed the amount of additional money Celtic was willing to pay to secure Hickey during his time at Hearts.

Guidi stated on The Go Radio Football Show, “It is possible that the recruitment department, which is likely to be devoid of Scottish individuals, is not fully aware of the talent we possess. Consequently, they may be considering their home countries.”

For instance, the Rangers have signed Propper, because Nils Koppen is Dutch. This is merely one example. The juvenile fullback who also entered the game is Dutch.

“Perhaps they require additional time to develop an appreciation for Scottish football.” However, as Barry stated, and let’s just say in the past three years, there are probably a dozen examples of players who have departed and off the top of my head, Barry’s nephew, Lewis.

“Celtic could have and should have signed Aaron Hickey, but they stalled over with an additional £300,000 or £400,000.”

Aaron Hickey’s previous statements regarding his decision to depart Celtic for Hearts
Many Celtic supporters are aware that Hickey began his career at Hearts and subsequently transferred to Celtic’s academy in 2014. He remained there for four years before deciding to return to Tynecastle in 2018.

In 2020, Celtic were linked to Hickey; however, he ultimately departed to join Bologna for an estimated £1.5 million.

In 2022, Hickey disclosed the rationale behind his decision to forgo the renewal of his Celtic contract and relocate to Edinburgh after departing the Bhoys in 2018.

Hickey stated, “I began playing Hearts at a young age; I was approximately ten years old when I joined and remained until I was twelve.”

“Subsequently, I visited Celtic, as it was my childhood club.” I traveled there for an extended period of four years. Celtic extended an offer to me; however, I was not actively participating. I believed that there would be a more favorable prospect for me to participate in Hearts.

“You are required to participate in football due to your youth.” It is imperative that you make the appropriate decisions.

The absence of first-team football appears to be a persistent theme in the reasons why young players choose to depart Celtic, and the narrative of Hickey remains well-known to fans to this day.

Nevertheless, the Hoops supporters will be optimistic that the loss of youthful talent such as Aaron Hickey will be a thing of the past now that Darren O’Dea has been appointed Celtic’s Player Pathway Manager.