Kasper Dolberg: "Celtic was never a serious option"
WEDNESDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2025, 13:10 - lajoya
INTERVIEWS Kasper Dolberg was open about his summer transfer window. The Danish striker, who recently returned to Ajax, stated that Celtic was never a realistic option, despite several bids from the Scottish club.
The 27-year-old striker faced a decision on deadline day after Anderlecht rejected three offers from Celtic. Ultimately, Dolberg opted to return to Amsterdam, where he previously played between 2015 and 2019. In his first spell at Ajax, he scored 45 goals in 119 matches, after which he moved to Nice, France, for €19 million.
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Continue reading After loan spells at Sevilla and Hoffenheim, Dolberg found a home at Anderlecht in 2023. There, he impressed with 44 goals in 96 matches, attracting the interest of Celtic. However, according to the striker, his options were limited.
In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad, Dolberg said: "The discussions with my partner were really only about two clubs: Ajax or staying at Anderlecht. I loved Brussels, but I felt there was still something unfinished for me at Ajax. I feel like I still have some unfinished business there."
Dolberg emphasized that the chance to win trophies was a major motivator for returning to the Johan Cruijff ArenA: "Although I left Ajax with a double, it didn't feel like I had completed everything. It wasn't that the club pushed me away, but I didn't always get the playing time I wanted. When Ajax came calling, I knew it was the right time. I always followed Ajax after my departure, and I missed the club. Only when you're gone do you realize what you're missing."
Former Celtic player Peter Grant also commented on the failed transfer. He stated that Dolberg's preference for Ajax had been known for some time: "I heard he was actually waiting for Ajax. That happens in football. Sometimes you just have to accept it."
With his return to the Eredivisie, Dolberg wants to play a key role at Ajax again and build on his previous successful period in Amsterdam.
