Celtic had private jet ready for Kasper Dolberg says transfer insider as Brendan Rodgers promise revealed

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Celtic fans are desperate for answers about what went wrong in the summer transfer window.

A letter sent to the Celtic Park board has made it clear that fans want explanations for why deals weren’t completed, with Brendan Rodgers’ demands evidently not met by the club’s business.

The departure of Nicolas Kuhn to Como early in the window created a need for reinforcements in wide areas, especially given the absence of Jota until the new year.

As Michel-Ange Balikwisha made his long-awaited move to Celtic Park in a much-needed addition, Adam Idah moved out the other door, increasing the pressure ahead of Transfer Deadline Day.

Step in, Kasper Dolberg. The Anderlecht striker, whose record in top-flights in Belgium and other countries was very impressive, was widely reported as Celtic’s main striker target at the end of the window.

However, in all-too familiar fashion, the move stagnated before Dolberg’s head was turned by Ajax. Now, a Celtic transfer expert has revealed more details about the move that didn’t happen.

Celtic lost Kasper Dolberg opportunity on day one, says Stephen McGowan

You have to work hard to close deals in the modern transfer window, with agent influence widespread.

But in the Kasper Dolberg situation, Celtic had the opportunity to close the deal, according to transfer insider Stephen McGowan.

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney fitness situation revealed by Scotland teammate with Brendan Rodgers on red alert

Speaking to PLZ Soccer, McGowan said: “The intention was there to sign him, but they bid too low initially. The opportunity was lost on day one, effectively.

“I don’t think Dolberg was ever sold on Celtic, or more to the point Glasgow, but I’m led to believe Celtic had a private jet ready to go for him. I think they were genuine about doing it.

“The big mistake they made, as has happened so often, they did not close the deal. They didn’t get it done. They let Adam Idah go for a move, they told Brendan Rodgers they would get a player to replace him and they haven’t done it.

“And you then have this absurd circus where you have the wealthiest club in the country parading around on the day after the transfer window trying to persuade for free transfers.”

Dolberg’s previous association with Ajax proved to be decisive in his preference for that move – the Denmark international was part of the squad which reached the Champions League semi-finals under Erik ten Hag in 2019.

Kelechi Iheanacho tasked with helping Brendan Rodgers move on from missed Celtic targets

As McGowan mentioned, Celtic’s latest signing Kelechi Iheanacho was brought in when the club scrambled for a striker after the transfer deadline.

The Nigeria striker, who worked with Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, spoke of his relationship with Kasper Schmeichel after completing his move to Celtic.

The main question is over the 28-year-old’s fitness. After being released from his contract at Sevilla, Iheanacho will need to work hard on his availability over the current international break.

But until his performances convince them otherwise, Celtic fans will continue to look back on the Dolberg saga and wonder what could’ve been.