Celtic facing hijack threat as Kasper Dolberg pursuit takes fresh twist
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Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media / Imago
Harri Burton
Mon 1 September 2025 13:22, UK
Brendan Rodgers could face yet more transfer frustration as Kasper Dolberg’s impending move to Celtic takes a fresh twist.
Adam Idah is closing in on a move to Swansea City, having failed to stamp his mark at Celtic Park, leaving Daizen Maeda as the main attacking threat for the 2025/26 campaign.
However, he has scored just one goal in his first seven games of the season, and the Hoops have been knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers after failing to score against Kairat Almaty in two legs.
Football Insider understands that Rodgers would need a “big offer” to leave Celtic for the Premier League again, but his potential exit has been discussed at length due to the club’s transfer failings.
It appeared that Anderlecht striker Dolberg was set to minimise the stress and pressure on the Hoops’ front line, but that may no longer be the case following the latest update on the 27-year-old.
Taking to X (1 September), Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph wrote: “Ajax have made a last-ditch attempt to hijack Kasper Dolberg’s move to Celtic.
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“Ajax may only be able to do a loan, after exploring a permanent deal with Anderlecht earlier today.
Celtic are in talks over a permanent move, which Anderlecht would prefer for a high fee.”
Dolberg has notched 44 goals and eight assists for Anderlecht since his arrival in July 2023.
Football Insider verdict
The Hoops have already dropped down to the Europa League for the upcoming season, making any business done on the final day of the window just too little too late.
That is exactly how Rodgers will feel, who has been pleading with the board for reinforcements ever since the window opened, and was even saying the same after Kyogo Furuhashi left in the winter.
Dominance in the Scottish Premiership was expected.
After four matches, Celtic are top of the table, with six goals scored and zero goals conceded, seeing them go six points clear of Rangers.
Credit: Imago
Rangers and Russell Martin are in their own turmoil this season, with pressure already on the Ibrox board to sack their manager, but that is unlikely to happen at Celtic Park anytime soon.
The Northern Irishman already left the club in emotional circumstances in 2019, meaning it was difficult for fans to accept his return last summer, but he has quickly earned their respect back.
However, if the Hoops continue to take chances in the transfer market, the manager may feel that his services are required elsewhere.