Celtic fans are often worried about getting excited about signings until the official announcement is made and this deadline day is already showing why that is the case. The Hoops had been chasing the signature of Kasper Dolberg for the past few days. He was clearly the club's number on target at striker, as they struggle for goals up top.
But it now looks like a deal for Dolberg is not going to happen. Instead, it is Ajax who have moved late and immediately gotten ahead of Celtic in the race to sign him.
As reported by ESPN, Ajax are fully committed to the return of Dolberg. The 27-year-old Anderlecht striker has rejected an offer from Celtic. The Belgian club reportedly want between €8 and €12 million.
Well, we guess that is that then. The end of the transfer saga involving Celtic and Dolberg. Once again, the club were linked with a player the fans would have been happy to see arrive. And once again, they have failed to deliver.
ESPN confirm Celtic have been rejected as deadline day deal collapses
The most disappointing thing about this entire saga is the fact that Celtic had enough time to get the deal done. But if reports are accurate than they made two bids that were turned down, with the first one not even being half of what Anderlecht were looking for.
This is a scenario that has been repeated in the media throughout the summer. Celtic allowing a move to drag on, and it ultimately does not lead anywhere of substance.
The biggest problem right now is that Celtic do not have much time to seek out an alternative, agree a deal, bring him to Glasgow, have a medical and then complete a move. Under these circumstances, panic signings or loan deals are the best you can hope for.
This is an unfortunate situation if you are a Celtic fans. But even more worryingly, it is not an unforeseen one. Many had predicted that something similar would transpire on deadline day and here we are.