Club Snubs Celtic Friendly Request Over Bitter 2018 Transfer Fallout
A surprising chapter in Celtic’s relationship with Italian side Como has reportedly resurfaced after the Serie A club declined a request to play a pre-season friendly, with the decision believed to stem from an unresolved transfer saga dating back to 2018.
What initially appeared to be a routine invitation for a summer friendly has now become one of the most talked-about stories of the pre-season, as old wounds between the two clubs have seemingly been reopened.
According to reports, Celtic approached Como with the hope of arranging a competitive pre-season fixture that would benefit both squads ahead of the new campaign. The Scottish champions were looking to test themselves against quality opposition, while Como’s growing reputation in Italian football made them an attractive opponent.
However, the proposal was swiftly rejected.
Sources familiar with the situation claim the refusal had little to do with scheduling or football preparations. Instead, the decision is said to have been driven by lingering resentment over a transfer dispute involving BayoYoussouf back in 2018.
At the time, Como had reportedly identified BayoYoussouf as one of their priority attacking targets and made several attempts to convince Celtic to negotiate a transfer. Club officials believed they had presented an attractive proposal and were confident they could reach an agreement.
Celtic, however, had no intention of letting the defender leave. Despite Como’s persistent interest, the Scottish giants reportedly refused to entertain any offers, insisting the player remained an important part of their long-term plans.
The rejection left a sour taste in Como’s hierarchy.
A source close to the Italian club claims the events of 2018 were never forgotten.
“Back then, they looked at us as if we were no club,” the source allegedly said. “We showed serious interest in BayoYoussouf and were prepared to do proper business, but they never gave us a chance. They simply refused to engage with us.”
The source continued by suggesting that Como have not forgotten the perceived lack of respect shown during those negotiations.
“Football is built on relationships. We remember how we were treated. Today, the situation is different. We have grown as a club, and we make our own decisions. Declining the friendly was our choice.”
While no official statement has been released by either club, the reported comments have sparked widespread debate among supporters across Scotland and Italy.
Many Celtic fans believe the club were perfectly entitled to keep hold of a player they valued highly, arguing that refusing to sell a footballer should not damage relationships for years to come. Others, however, feel the breakdown may have been caused by the way negotiations were handled rather than the decision itself.
For Como, the reported refusal of the friendly is being viewed by some supporters as a symbolic response to a moment they believe underestimated the club’s ambitions nearly a decade ago. Since then, Como have continued to grow both on and off the pitch, earning greater recognition within Italian football and establishing themselves as an increasingly ambitious project.
The timing of the rejection has also attracted attention, with both clubs preparing for demanding new seasons. A meeting between Celtic and Como would have offered valuable preparation, tactical testing and a chance for supporters to watch two historic clubs compete in an entertaining pre-season encounter.
Instead, the fixture now appears unlikely to happen, with Celtic expected to continue searching for alternative opponents to complete their summer schedule.
Whether the disagreement from 2018 truly remains the driving force behind Como’s decision may never be officially confirmed. But if the reports are accurate, it serves as another reminder that in football, business conducted years ago can continue to influence relationships long after the transfer window has closed.
