Pierre van Hooijdonk has made Kasper Dolberg’s Ajax situation impossible to ignore, and it will make Celtic sit up and take notice.
There is no ambiguity in how the Dutch side are treating Dolberg. His role has diminished to the point where his future is now a matter of public discussion.
That has not gone unnoticed and it is now being recognised beyond Ajax, and this is relevant considering Celtic’s strong interest in Dolberg last summer.
And it seems that Pierre van Hooijdonk has delivered a clear message Celtic cannot ignore.
Should Celtic try for Kasper Dolberg again?
How much would you pay for him?
Celtic can capitalise as Ajax sideline Dolberg
Ajax’s current use of Dolberg tells its own story. Selection decisions have placed him firmly on the outside of the team.
Pierre van Hooijdonk addressed that directly when discussing the striker’s situation. His words outlined both the player’s quality and the reality of his current standing.
Speaking as Ajax led NAC 2-0 on Saturday, he said: “Yes, I think Dolberg is a very good striker. I read that Jordi Cruijff 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?
“I don’t believe that has gone away. He is a striker who actually fit the Ajax principles quite well. Very technically skilled, ingenious in his finishing.
“He was signed for ten million euros; they won’t get that back for him.”
The message is clear, if Celtic do still hold a genuine interest in Dolberg, they could get the Danish international striker for a bargain deal.
Celtic opportunity grows as Dolberg value drops
The financial side of the situation strengthens Celtic’s position further. Ajax committed €10m to bring Dolberg in and now face a reduced return.
That shift changes the entire dynamic of a potential deal. A player who Celtic would have baulked at paying that sum of cash for is now within the Parkhead club’s price range.
But this is not simply about price. It is about timing, with Ajax’s handling of the player aligning with Celtic’s clear need for a striker.
Celtic’s link to Dolberg is not a secret and neither is how close the Parkhead club came to signing him last summer.
The decision is no longer about identifying a target. Celtic are now looking at a player whose situation has shifted firmly in their favour.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
