Two transfer targets explain why they didn’t join Celtic this summer

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The Celtic Star

·11 October 2025

Two transfer targets explain why they didn’t join Celtic this summer

Long-standing Celtic transfer target Sondre Orjasaeter has revealed that the Hoops were unable to reach a transfer agreement with his Norwegian side this summer…

Sondre Orjasaeter of Norway during the UEFA European Under-21 Qualifier playoff football match between Norway and Finland on November 19, 2024 in Stavanger. Photo: Marius Simensen

However, he stated that he would not have joined Celtic regardless, as he feels his style of play is not well-suited to Scottish football. The Scottish champions held discussions with Sarpsborg over the winger, but he ultimately completed a £5 million move to Twente Enschede.

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He has now spoken out to explain why a move to Celtic never materialised. Speaking via Daily Record, Orjasaeter said: “It’s true that Celtic got serious. We still couldn’t reach an agreement. The fee Sarpsborg was asking for was a problem.”

“But I also didn’t think it was the right move for me. Celtic are a huge club, with a great history, but I honestly don’t think I’m cut out for Scottish football.”

Moldes Halldor Stenevik og Sarpsborg 08s Sondre Orjasaeter under eliteseriekampen i fotball mellom Sarpsborg 08 og Molde pa Sarpsborg Stadion. Foto: Christoffer Andersen / NTB Sarpsborg Norge

“When Twente contacted me, it was immediately clear to me and my agent that it was a no-brainer of a decision to move there. It was a great opportunity for me and I didn’t hesitate. Twente are a good club, in a league full of technically gifted, attacking players.”

“The Eredivisie is a fantastic platform for young footballers anyway,” he continued. “I just had a good feeling. And after just one day here, I knew this was the right choice for me”

It was similar reasons for David Strelec, who this week shared the reasons why a possible transfer to Celtic proved to be a complex situation.

David Strelec of Middlesbrough scores his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion at Riverside Stadium on September 19, 2025. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“Celtic was a more realistic option in the winter,” the Slovakian told Pressko Podcast. “Whereas this summer, it was basically not an option at all. What surprised me was that their media put it out, though my father probably didn’t help with his words!”

The former Slovan Bratislava striker added: “There were only two serious options this summer. Monterrey in Mexico and Middlesbrough. I had a call with Monterrey, but I was much more inclined to Middlesbrough.”

David Strelec of Middlesbrough in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Stoke City at Riverside Stadium on September 30, 2025. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“I wanted to stay in European football. Celtic were there in the winter, but it all got complicated around an agent they were using that wasn’t my agent. It all got complicated.

“Of course, Celtic is a big club. It wasn’t an easy decision. But I’d also spoken with Middlesbrough in the winter – I spoke with their scout and sporting director – and I could feel that they really wanted me. I just felt if I could get a transfer here it would be a really good move.”

Conor Spence

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

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Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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