I remember the days when players signed, they tried to settle into the club, get to know their team mates, fit into the system and try to show the fans why the club paid a substantial fee to bring him to Parkhead to don the famous Hoops. I also remember the days when players signed, think that they have “made it”, effectively stop trying to improve and pick up money on a good contract only to never be seen again.
Which then takes me onto Marian Shved. Signed by Celtic for £2m from Karpaty Lviv in 2018, Shved came to Glasgow with a big reputation and many Celtic fans, after watching videos of the tricky winger on YouTube, were impressed with his skill and finishing ability.
But the move to Paradise wasn’t his first big move. Shved earned himself a move to Spanish La Liga side Sevilla back in 2015 and he was dropped into the Spaniards reserve side to develop, but after two seasons, one reserve and six youth appearances, Shved was sent back to Karpaty Lviv.
At the time of signing for Celtic, Shved recalled that period saying, “A few years ago I left to go to Seville. But I was 18 years old then and still a child.
“It took a lot of time for me to adjust, but I also grew up a lot and understood many things better.
“I won’t repeat the same mistakes in Scotland.”
Shved returned to his homeland and after another great two seasons, more notably season 18/9 where in 26 appearances, the winger netted 15 times, he earned his second big opportunity with a move to Glasgow. After only one season and 3 appearances he was again shipped off on loan to current club Mechelen where he didn’t get off to the greatest start, as current on loan boss Wouter Vrancken bemoaned the Ukranian’s attitude problem, but then the winger seemed to have had as epiphany which led to a change of form and now he is at a place where his is evaluating his options.
Shved now claims that maybe the move to Celtic when he had other options was the wrong choice to make at the time and that he regrets rejecting Genk in favour of the Hoops, “That’s right yes.
“They even made a higher offer than Celtic. But after consultation with my brokers [agent], we ultimately opted for Celtic.
“In retrospect, that may not have been the right choice. If I knew what I know now, I might have chosen the Belgian league and signed with Genk.”
That’s a bit rich. I’m pretty sure if Celtic knew then what they know now about the wingers attitude and application they would never have shelled out millions in a transfer fee.
It seems Shved’s mind is already made up and if I were Celtic, I would try and recoup as much of the £2m paid and wish him all the best.