Kasper Dolberg’s career has taken another unexpected turn, with the Danish striker now reportedly surplus to requirements at Ajax less than a year after turning down a move to Celtic…
What once looked like a sentimental and potentially career-reviving return to Amsterdam has instead become a frustrating chapter, raising fresh questions about the 28-year-old’s next move.
Last summer, Dolberg was firmly on Celtic’s radar. The Scottish champions were in the market for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Adam Idah to Swansea City and a failure to replace Kyogo Furuhashi who left in January 2025 to join French side Rennes in a £10m transfer.
Dolberg’s proven goal-scoring pedigree
With a proven goal-scoring pedigree across European leagues, Dolberg emerged as Celtic’s prime target in the closing days of last summer’s transfer window. Celtic were reportedly prepared to push through a deal worth around £8 million, viewing him as a player capable of leading the line and delivering consistently in domestic and European competition.
Michael Nicholson’s bitter experience
However, football transfers are notorious difficult to get across the line as Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson knows from this bitter experience. In Dolberg’s case, the late intervention from Ajax, the club where he first rose to prominence, proved decisive. The allure of returning to familiar surroundings, combined with Ajax’s reputation for nurturing attacking talent, ultimately convinced him to reject Celtic’s advances and opt for a £9 million move back to the Netherlands.
Dolberg’s decision was frustrating for Celtic but understandable
At the time, the decision seemed understandable. Dolberg had previously enjoyed a breakout period at Ajax, earning widespread recognition for his technical ability, composure in front of goal, and intelligent movement. A return offered the promise of rediscovering that form in a system tailored to his strengths.
Yet the reality has been far less encouraging. This season, Dolberg has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, managing just five goals in 24 appearances. While two of those goals came in high-profile UEFA Champions League fixtures against Qarabag and Olympiacos, his overall impact has fallen short of expectations.
Jordi Cruyff tells Dolberg he is free to find a new club
More concerning is his current standing within the squad. Dolberg is now reportedly third choice in the attacking hierarchy, a situation that has prompted Ajax’s technical director, Jordi Cruyff, to inform him that he is free to find a new club. For a player who once symbolised Ajax’s attacking future, the shift is stark.
Pierre van Hooijdonk talks up Dolberg’s discounted fee
No former Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Dolberg’s availability could spark renewed interest from clubs seeking a proven forward at a reduced price.
Van Hooijdonk remains an admirer of the Danish international’s qualities, emphasising that his technical skill and finishing ability still make him a valuable asset.
“He was signed for ten million euros; they won’t get that back for him,” Van Hooijdonk noted via Glasgow Times, highlighting the financial reality of Dolberg’s situation. In modern football, where transfer fees often reflect both potential and market demand, a dip in form can quickly affect a player’s valuation.
Van Hooijdonk also pointed to Ajax’s handling of Dolberg as evidence that his time at the club is nearing its end. Limited playing opportunities, particularly in matches where rotation might be expected, shows that he is no longer central to the coach’s plans.
Big Pierre said: “I think Dolberg is a very good striker. I read that Jordi Cruyff supposedly said Dolberg is free to leave. That does seem to be the case when you look at the coach’s actions.
“Because if you don’t field him in this match either, when are you going to use him?” He said:
“He is a striker who actually fits the Ajax principles quite well. Very technically skilled, ingenious in his finishing.”
Where does Dolberg go from here?
The question now is where Dolberg goes next. For Celtic, the situation may prompt reflection on what might have been. After missing out on the Dane, they turned to Kelechi Iheanacho, signing him shortly after the transfer window closed. While Iheanacho brings his own strengths, Dolberg’s availability could reignite speculation about whether Celtic might revisit their interest, particularly if a cut-price deal becomes feasible.
Time for a Lawwell-like lowball offer?
Peter Lawwell used to be famous for his lowball offers during his time as Celtic CEO and perhaps that’s a trick his successor (if you overlook the short stopgap stint in the job for club outsider Dominic McKay) Michael Nicholson might try himself.
Daizen Maeda likely to leave Celtic this summer
Dolberg’s situation is worthy of Celtic’s attention as the club faces a major rebuild and looks set to lose Daizen Maeda this summer. Ironically the Japanese talisman was denied a move to Wolfsburg as a direct result of Dolberg leaving Celtic at the alter last summer.
Yet at 28, Dolberg still has time to rebuild his career with a move to the right club — one that offers regular playing time and a system suited to his strengths. A better late than never move to Celtic could yet see him rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.
Dolberg finds himself at a crossroads. His next step will not only determine the immediate direction of his career but may also serve as a defining moment in his attempt to recapture past success. Perhaps it will be case of second time lucky for Dolberg in getting a move to Paradise.
READ THIS ON CELTIC SHORTS…“Goal Celtic – The scorer, number 38, Daizen, Daizen, Daizen….” Maeda
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