Former Celtic target Kasper Dolberg has explained why he rejected a move to Glasgow this summer, insisting that once Ajax came calling “nothing else mattered.”
Negotiations between Celtic and Anderlecht were reported to be at an advanced stage, but Ajax’s late intervention changed the entire picture. For Dolberg, the chance to return to Amsterdam, where he first made his name, was too significant to ignore.
Dolberg, now 27, came through the Ajax system and played four seasons at the Johan Cruyff Arena before leaving in 2019. His decision to re-sign with the Dutch giants was rooted in familiarity, nostalgia and the belief that the timing was right for him to go “home.”
Dolberg made it clear that his heart was set on Ajax the moment the offer was made, leaving Celtic with no chance of persuading him otherwise.
He said: (De Telegraaf), “I wanted to go back home because it’s Ajax.
“And because Ajax will always be something special to me.
“I know the club, I know how special it is and how great it is here. And it was the right time to do it. After I got the chance, I had no doubts.
“That was a very easy decision, because I wanted to go to Ajax, and nothing else mattered.
“In the Danish training camp, I had to stay focused, do my thing, and hope the clubs would reach an agreement. Unfortunately, I had no influence on that.”
Dolberg’s comments show why Celtic had little chance once Ajax made their move. The Parkhead board have been criticised for not sealing the deal sooner, but the striker admits his mind was made up.
For Celtic fans, it is another blow in a transfer window already seen as poor. Missing out on a top striker has left Brendan Rodgers short of firepower, increasing pressure on those above him.
Dolberg, on the other hand, has secured a return to the club he calls home, while Celtic are left with another reminder of a chance missed in a window that has infuriated many.
The saga highlights a bigger problem: Celtic often struggle to land priority signings when European clubs step in. Dolberg’s Ajax return will stand out as one of the defining failures of the summer.
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The arrogant and full of entitlement crackpots on the Celtic board have destroyed Fergus’ legacy and Celtic is no more regarded as the force they should be. Dermot Desmond is equally arrogant and does not belong at our club. It is just a wee hobby to this self-appointed “owner” who does NOT have a majority of shares. The club belongs to the fans who hold the majority of shares in unison.
They all need kicked out and more professional people appointed. The club’s reputation is at stake here.