Kasper Dolberg explains Celtic transfer rejection as Ajax return was always the priority

Kasper Dolberg has opened up on why a proposed move to Celtic never materialised, revealing that a return to Ajax was always his preferred destination once the opportunity arose.

The Danish striker was heavily linked with Brendan Rodgers’ side during the closing stages of the previous summer transfer window, with reports suggesting Celtic were prepared to spend around £8 million to bring the 27-year-old to Glasgow.

However, despite the growing speculation, Dolberg ultimately completed a move back to Ajax, the club where he first established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.

Speaking after sealing his return to Amsterdam, the former Anderlecht striker admitted Celtic were never realistically in contention once Ajax entered the picture.

Dolberg explained that the chance to return to his former club carried far more emotional weight than any other option. While he enjoyed his spell in Belgium, he said unfinished business at Ajax made the decision straightforward.

The striker revealed he still felt a strong connection to the Dutch giants after leaving several years ago, adding that returning to Amsterdam always appealed if the opportunity presented itself. He also suggested his family were settled in Brussels, but his own desire to rejoin Ajax ultimately proved decisive.

His comments provide fresh insight into a transfer saga that generated significant interest among Celtic supporters. While reports throughout the window suggested the Scottish champions were pursuing the Denmark international, Dolberg’s latest remarks indicate the move was unlikely to happen once Ajax became a realistic destination.

For Celtic, missing out on Dolberg was another setback in their search for attacking reinforcements. Brendan Rodgers was keen to strengthen his forward options, with the experienced Dane viewed as a player capable of making an immediate impact thanks to his pedigree at club and international level.

Despite the disappointment, Celtic moved on to alternative targets as the transfer window progressed, while Dolberg completed the return to the club where he first made his name.

Looking back on the saga, the striker’s explanation appears to settle any lingering questions over why negotiations with Celtic failed to produce an agreement. Rather than financial considerations or a lack of ambition from the Scottish champions, Dolberg has made it clear that his heart was set on returning to Ajax as soon as the opportunity became available. Suppose that’s one transfer not happening we can’t blame the board for (a lot we can)