The talks were going on. Celtic believed they were closing in on their man. Then out of nowhere, Benkovic signed for mid table Belgian club OH Leuven.
The speculation was rife that after being recalled from his Cardiff loan, Leicester City were about to send Benkovic back to Celtic Park in a bid to resurrect his career and get some much needed game time.
No less than a week ago Leicester boss, Brendan Rodgers, was waxing lyrical about how a loan move could benefit his out of favour star in a press conference which led everyone to believe the move was virtually a done deal.
But Benkovic has just revealed his reasons for turning down the Hoops in favour of the Belgian club and it seems Leuven manager, Marc Brys, had a big part to play in his decision, “I really liked being at Celtic. I felt very happy and had a very good season, we won the title and two cups.
I am still very proud of that. But the ambitions of this club and the conversation with the coach convinced me to take this step.
I hardly played at Cardiff City in recent months. They didn’t speak much to me there. When I asked why I barely played, I was told they were quite happy with me.
But in the end, the coach opted again for the guys who were there last season. It made no sense to stay there.
Here I want to make a fresh start and find my best form.”