It would be an understatement to say that Celtic failed in this summer transfer window. And the latest story emerging about their attempts to sign Kasper Dolberg is further proof of that. While the club sanctioned the departure of Adam Idah on deadline day, they failed to land the signature of the Danish striker, leaving them empty-handed.
In the end, Celtic did go out and sign Kelechi Iheanacho as a free agent. But even at best, that is a consolation signing. After all, he managed to score just once in 15 appearances while on loan at Middlesbrough.
The lack of ambition, urgency and efficiency shown by the club throughout the summer transfer window was remarkable. It almost made no sense at times. And it looks like that continued well into deadline day.
As reported by CeltsAreHere, journalist Mark Hendry revealed on CeltsAreHere Extra Time that Dolberg was Celtic’s top forward target in the final days of the window. But according to the report, the Hoops opened Monday morning negotiations with a £4 million bid – less than half of the Belgian side’s asking price of £8.5 million. Eventually they matched Anderlecht’s valuation but by then Ajax had swooped in.
Fans left stunned by bid Celtic had made for Kasper Dolberg
This Dolberg transfer saga might very well go down as one of the worst in Celtic history. It certainly feels worse than the John McGinn one from Brendan Rodgers' first stint.
It remains to be seen what the manager is able to get out of this Celtic squad. He most certainly has not been dealt a great hand.
In fact, it feels like the squad is significantly weaker than the one he started the previous season with. And it is no wonder that Celtic already find themselves in a bad spot.