This was a major Celtic transfer story this summer.
With the Hoops looking to rebuild the squad and make a push for the title, the speculation surrounding signings was intense as the Parkhead club where linked with almost any available player around Europe.
It was an exciting time but not as exciting as the Yan Bueno Couto transfer link to Paradise.
The very highly rated Brazilian star was a target for the Hoops and Gary Caldwell, who under his new role at Manchester City as Loan Manager, lifted the lid on a private conversation he had with the now Braga player on how the Celtic fans almost convinced Couto to come to Parkhead.
Was was a guest of honour at Celtic Park this season when he was invited to the Hoops Europa League qualifier against Jablonec to run the rule over the club in a bid to convince the Brazilian u17 star to sign on the dotted line.
And the part the Celtic fans played in that didn’t go unnoticed by Couto but he eventually chose Portuguese side, Braga, to continue his development.
Speaking to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Caldwell revealed why, “He was going to there on loan. We actually spoke about it when I was at his house.
“He said the stadium the supporters were incredible.
“He felt like the language barrier would have been a big thing and he settled quickly in Portugal.
“So he’s probably made the right decision for his career development but he did mention when he was out of the stadium, the supporters, he said it was incredible.
“And he was drawn by that but he decided to go to Braga.”
Couto has made six appearances so far for Braga as he continues his career but are we are now looking at a “What if?” by losing out on a player of his quality?