Kasper Dolberg Explains Ajax Transfer Decision After Turning Down Celtic

Kasper Dolberg has revealed why he chose a return to Ajax over a move to Celtic on transfer deadline day, insisting the opportunity to go back to Amsterdam was simply too good to refuse.

The Denmark international appeared set for a switch to Parkhead after being identified as a replacement for Adam Idah, who was heading to Swansea. However, once Ajax registered their interest late in the window, the 27-year-old’s focus quickly shifted to a reunion with his former club.

Dolberg previously enjoyed a successful spell with the Eredivisie giants and ultimately decided to return there rather than join Brendan Rodgers’ side. Celtic ended deadline day by signing Kelechi Iheanacho, who was recruited just in time to be included in their Europa League squad.

Explaining his decision in a heartfelt message to Anderlecht fans on Instagram, Dolberg expressed gratitude to the Belgian club for allowing him to leave.

“Two years ago, I joined your club, which turned out to be exactly the right place for me,” he wrote.

“No, we didn’t win a trophy together. How I wish we could have shared that moment.

“However, we shared many other things: passion, mutual respect, and a city for my family. My little girls were born here. Brussels will always be special to us.

“An opportunity to go back to Ajax arrived late in the window. I asked the club to allow the move. I simply could not let this chance slip away—to go back, to go home.

“I’m very grateful Anderlecht granted me this move. It shows the mutual respect we’ve had over the past two years.

“To you, fans: thank you for your continuous support. Amsterdam is not that far—come and visit.”

Although Dolberg’s move appeared a late swoop, Ajax technical director Alex Kroes insisted the striker had long been on their radar.

“For months,” he explained when asked how long the club had been monitoring him.

“He became older and more mature after leaving Ajax. He will never be the most extroverted person in the world, but he doesn’t need to be.

“He still has that flair. He has been scoring goals in recent years—very beautiful goals.

“He adds something different to the team. With him, Wout Weghorst and Don-Angelo Konadu, we will have options. There will be plenty of matches in which we need all three.”