Celtic’s Summer Transfer Failure Now Looks Like Masterstroke

Kasper Dolberg was close to becoming Celtic’s headline signing last summer, but the move never materialised. Instead, the Danish striker returned to Ajax in a late deal, one that now looks short-lived.

At the time, the interest was real. Celtic were looking for a central option who could lead the line, and Dolberg was viewed as a player with experience at a higher level. The deal had the feel of a late push, the kind of move that can define a window if it comes off.

It didn’t. The move broke down, and Dolberg headed back to Amsterdam instead, joining Ajax on deadline day after their own reshuffle in attack. Less than a year on, that decision is already under review.

His numbers tell the full story. Three league goals in 19 games point to a player who has struggled to find form. He has not started a league match since February, and his last goal came in January. Selection has gone against him.

Algemeen Dagblad report Director of Football Jordi Cruyff believes Dolberg does not fit Ajax’s style of play, with concerns over his work without the ball and how he matches the demands of their pressing system, which has led to the club considering a sale.

That same question would have followed him to Celtic. The system relies on forwards who can lead the press and force mistakes. Daizen Maeda has shown how that shapes games. Goals come from pressure as much as finishing.

Dolberg’s season has been broken up by injury as well, which has not helped. But even when fit, he has not held his place. Younger options have been used ahead of him in recent matches.

Celtic’s decision to move on now looks measured. What was once seen as a late chance to bring in a known name has turned into a situation Ajax are trying to fix.