Aleksandar Tonev
The Bulgarian winger joined Celtic on loan from Aston Villa in 2014 with an option to buy, scoring on his debut against Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League. However, his spell was marred by a seven-match ban for racially abusing Aberdeen’s Shay Logan, and Celtic declined to make the move permanent. Tonev’s 13 appearances and controversial exit make him a fading memory.
Oliver Abildgaard
Signed on loan from Rubin Kazan in September 2022, the Danish midfielder was hailed as a potential midfield enforcer under Ange Postecoglou. However, Abildgaard struggled to adapt, making just six league appearances before his loan was cut short in January 2023. His lack of impact ensures he’s a name most Celtic fans have forgotten.
Edson Braafheid
The Dutch full-back, signed on loan from Bayern Munich for the 2009-10 season, arrived with a solid pedigree but failed to make a lasting impression. Braafheid played sparingly, totaling 10 appearances, and returned to Bayern before earning a spot in the Netherlands’ 2010 World Cup squad. His brief and unremarkable stint is often overlooked.
Carlton Cole
The ex-West Ham striker signed for Celtic in October 2015, declaring his pride in wearing the hoops. However, his time in Glasgow was underwhelming, with no league goals in four appearances and just one goal in a cup match. Cole left for Sacramento Republic in 2016 without winning any silverware, making his spell easily forgettable.
Freddie Ljungberg
The former Arsenal Invincibles star joined Celtic on a short-term deal in January 2011 after spells with West Ham, Seattle Sounders, and Chicago Fire. The Swedish winger, aged 33 at the time, made just one appearance in a 1-0 Scottish Cup win over Rangers before leaving for Shimizu S-Pulse. His brief stint and lack of impact make him a forgotten figure at Celtic Park.
