MONCHENGLADBACH ENTER THE FRAY BUT KASPER DOLBERG CELTIC MOVE STILL ON
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
There’s been quite a bit of pessimism over the last few hours surrounding the ongoing negotiations to make Kasper Dolberg Celtic’s next summer signing.
News that German Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach have, apparently, expressed an interest in the player has prompted many Celtic fans to throw their hands up and say “Well, that’s that then! No chance we’ll get him now!”
I understand this cynicism. Indeed, one could argue it’s not actually cynicism but conclusions based on observed behavior from Celtic in the transfer market. However, I think it might be premature for us all to give up on this deal going through. In fact, I still believe Celtic are in prime position to sign the player.
In Pursuit of Kasper Dolberg, Celtic Still Have The Advantage
First of all, none of what I am about to say is intended in any way to disrespect of belittle Borussia Monchengladbach. They are a proud, well-supported club, with a long and illustrious history. Plus, they wear green and white, which is always a plus in my book!
They finished 10th in the Bundesliga last season and will not play in Europe this season. Also, if you look at their current squad, with the greatest of respect, this is not a side that’s likely to be challenging for the title this year or indeed European places either.
I’m sure Kasper Dolberg will be aware of this.
Then there’s the fact that they already spent 8 million Euros on a striker this summer, Japanese forward Shuto Machino joined Borussia from Bundesliga 2 side Holstien Kiel.
Additionally, the club also shelled out an initial 4.5 million Euros rising to around 7 million Euros just last week, to acquire attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna from Dortmund.
Moreover, if you look at the profile of signings Monchengladbach have pursued in the past few years, they seldom, if ever, go above 8-9 million Euros.
Yes, they did spend 23 million on French/Mali striker Alessane Plea back in 2018, but I think we all know that the global economy and with it the football transfer market has changed quite a bit since then.
My point is, Monchengladbach will not, in all likelihood, offer much more than Celtic have, allegedly, already offered for Kasper Dolberg. It doesn’t fit with their current structure, and they’ve already made 2 high profile signings in forward positions this season.
What I suspect is more likely is that someone, perhaps an agent or individual working on behalf of Anderlecht, has contacted Monchengladbach to gauge their interest in the player.
Remember that Monchengladbach have made no comment at this point, and any interest they may have in the player remains entirely in the realm of rumors of speculation.
However, Anderlecht perhaps hope that by creating the idea that another club is interested, or ideally from their viewpoint, starting a bidding war for the player, they can squeeze an extra couple of million out of Celtic.
Afterall, we all know that Anderlecht are skint. They have few bargaining chips in this negotiation. Their only chance to get a higher fee lies in two factors. Firstly, there is the issue of time. The transfer window closes in less than 48 hours.
Secondly, there is the notion of, what the youngsters call FOMO (fear of missing out).
If there’s even a suggestion that another club might jump in and hijack the Dolberg deal, Anderlecht hope this might panic Celtic into shelling out more than is necessary.
We do have form for this after all. Just look at what we ended up paying for Arne Engels and Adam Idah at this point last year.
So, to conclude, I still think Celtic are the favorites to land Kasper Dolberg. Until Monchengladbach or indeed any other club makes a firm offer or is granted permission to speak to the player, that view wont change.
