Failed pursuit of Dolberg symbolised Celtic’s abysmal transfer window

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The Celtic Star

·6 settembre 2025

Failed pursuit of Dolberg symbolised Celtic’s abysmal transfer window

Journalist Stephen McGowan argues that Celtic’s unsuccessful pursuit of Kasper Dolberg symbolised their abysmal transfer window, with mistakes made from the outset of the deal…

AEK Athens v RSC Anderlecht – UEFA Conference League ATHENS, GREECE – AUGUST 28 : Dolberg Kasper forward of RSC Anderlecht in action during the UEFA Conference League 2025 26 play-off round second leg between AEK Athens and RSC Anderlecht on August 28, 2025 in Athens, Greece, 28 08 2025 Athens Greece Photo: IMAGO Jan De Meuleneir

Although the Hoops appeared keen to secure the services of striker, their £4m deadline-day offer suggested otherwise, and while a private jet was reportedly prepared to collect him from Belgium, it never took off.

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During the Journos show on PLZ Soccer, McGowan suggested that the club was never fully in control of the transfer.

“The intention was there to sign him, but they bid too low initially. The opportunity was lost on day one, effectively,” McGowan said. “I don’t think Dolberg was ever sold on Celtic, or more to the point Glasgow, but I’m led to believe Celtic had a private jet ready to go for him. I think they were genuine about doing it.”

The Herald Journalist added: “The big mistake they made, as has happened so often, they did not close the deal. They didn’t get it done. They let Adam Idah go for a move, they told Brendan Rodgers they would get a player to replace him and they haven’t done it.

Adam Idah scores. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“And you then have this absurd circus where you have the wealthiest club in the country parading around on the day after the transfer window trying to persuade for free transfers.”

Celtic’s initial £4m bid – only half of Anderlecht’s £8.5m valuation – set them unsurprisingly back in negotiations – and although they later matched the asking price, Ajax stepped in, Dolberg committed to the Dutch side, and Celtic were left chasing for EPL rejects.

Dolberg’s agent has since revealed that Ajax emerged as the right option at the eleventh hour, and Dolberg wasted no time in choosing a return to Amsterdam over a move to Celtic.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Middlesbrough in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough FC and Queens Park Rangers FC at Riverside Stadium on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Consequently, Adam Idah left with no successor secured, pushing Celtic into a frantic scramble for striker solutions which eventually culminated in the club signing free agent Kelechi Iheanacho.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties – Out Now! In Celtic shops on Friday…

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is out now on Celtic Star Books. Celtic in the Eighties is now available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy directly from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage.