Kasper Dolberg’s agent has lifted the lid on the striker’s late transfer window move to Ajax, confirming that despite interest from Celtic, it was only when the Dutch giants came calling that a deal made sense for the player.
Dolberg had emerged as Celtic’s top striker target in the final days of the window, but talks with Anderlecht dragged on, and multiple lowball offers saw the Scottish champions fall short, despite eventually matching the asking price. By then, Ajax had stepped in, and it was effectively game over.
Now, his agent has spoken out. Speaking after Dolberg sealed his return to Amsterdam, he said: [Voetbalnieus]
“I want to thank Anderlecht enormously. They kept their word, and I want to emphasize that. The chairman has resigned, but everyone made an effort.
“And I think that’s very nice. Kasper is also a good person and did well at Anderlecht. It was a fruitful collaboration.
“There were agreements with Anderlecht about a certain sum, but the right club never materialized.
“When Ajax contacted us very late after Brian Brobbey’s departure, we were immediately enthusiastic. It was going to be Ajax.
“It’s a step up, and for Kasper, it’s coming home. Playing in the Champions League.”
The comments reinforce the narrative that Celtic’s pursuit was too slow and lacked conviction, especially when compared to Ajax, which moved quickly once it identified Dolberg as its Brobbey replacement.
In the end, Celtic were left scrambling for alternatives, and Dolberg, who the Hoops hoped would lead their European charge, opted for a return to the Champions League instead.
Iheanacho will now lead the line in Celtic’s Europa League campaign. It wasn’t the signing that many were hoping for, but it’s what has been presented to the fans. It’s a one-year deal, which shows that it was just a panic one, and not a deal that was thought through over the summer.
