Celtic were very active in this summer’s transfer window.
Eight new signings bolstered the championship-winning squad with another two additions from Russian club, Rubin Kazan.
The Hoops first dipped their toe into Russian territory last season with the signing of Carl Starfelt and this summer added another two names in the form of Montenegro international, Sead Haksabanovic and Danish star, Oliver Adildgaard.
But it was the big Dane that was singled out for special praise by Kazan Sporting Director Oleg Yarovinsky.
Abildgaard will stay at Celtic for the remainder of this season on loan and Yarovinsky praised the midfielder for his loyalty in ensuring the club could get a fee for him further down the line.
Speaking to Metaratings, Yarovinsky said, “He suspended his contract and left for Celtic.
“We decided to make it so that in a year Rubin could get a much better offer for it.
“Or Oliver can come back and continue playing for us from next summer.
“Abildgaard himself was in favour of such two options and acted in a human way.
“He discussed every step with the club, because it is important for him that Rubin get as much benefit from his future as possible.
“We are immensely grateful to him, because he could not do any of this.”
And when asked if how Abildgaard dealt with the transfer situation was the same as the rest of the players that left, Yarovinsky said, “Not all of them.
“With Haksabanovic and Dreyer, everything was also in dialogue, it’s just that Oli in a special way categorically refused to suspend the contract at the beginning of the season.
“Although he received even fatter offers from European leagues, we heard from him: “I will leave Rubin only for money.”
“For this, he has immeasurable respect.”
Abildgaard sounds like the ultimate professional and his signing proves that Ange is still looking to sign a player for the man that he is as much as the skill he has.
It will be interesting to see him in action in the Hoops and to see how McGregor is deployed as a more forward-thinking player.
October could about to get very interesting.