Latest Mathias Kvistgaarden twist amid Celtic transfer interest
Celtic have ended their interest in Brondby forward Mathias Kvistgaarden, according to reports.
It’s claimed Brendan Rodgers won’t make a move for the striker as a deal for Luis Palma nears completion.
Celtic had been linked with a serious transfer interest in £4m-rated Kvistgaarden this summer.
Earlier reports had first suggested a bid from Celtic had been booted out by Brondby, before later sources claimed a deal was “very close”.
However, the Scottish Sun now report that Celtic have cooled their interest in the striker.
It’s claimed Palma is the main target for Celtic and a move for Kvistgaarden will be parked as the Aris man heads for Parkhead.
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Asked about Kvistgaarden’s position at Brondby and the interest from Celtic, director of football Carsten Jensen told TV3 last week: “Basically, it has not been part of the plan.
“We are still in the process of transfers. It’s both relation to ins and outs.
“We still need to adjust the number of players in the squad, even though we are getting to where we want to be.
“It’s definitely getting closer to what we want to have in our squad. Then we have our eyes and ears open in relation to a few more positions.”
On whether he is hopeful of further signings before the end of the window, Rodgers said: “Hopefully. I think it’s clear… I have said before we have improved the squad with some of the players we have brought in, but we have lost starters. So we need to improve the team.
“And it’s always a challenge coming off the back of a season where you have won the treble.
“You have got to go again the following season where there is a greater expectation on you and more pressure.”
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Paulo Bernardo Late Night Celtic Update; Deal Structure
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has shed new light on the club’s pursuit of Benfica midfielder Paulo Bernardo.
As the SPFL transfer deadline on 1st September nears, and with the team struggling for form since Brendan Rodgers’ return, the Hoops are keen to finalise key signings.
In the latest update, according to Joseph, negotiations between Celtic and Benfica are centred around a loan deal for the 21-year-old, with an option to buy. This development adds a new dimension to Celtic’s interest in Bernardo, whom the club had previously scouted under former boss Ange Postecoglou.
It’s worth noting that Celtic and Benfica have both benefited this summer from their budding relationship. Benfica initially loaned out former Hoops winger Jota to Celtic, who later signed him for a £6 million fee with a sell-on clause attached.
Both clubs made a substantial profit when Jota’s £25 million move to Saudi Arabia was confirmed earlier this window. This existing rapport between the two clubs could potentially smooth the way for Bernardo’s move to Celtic Park.
The 21-year-old, who has made 26 first-team appearances for Benfica and earned 16 caps for Portugal’s Under-21s, has four years left on his current contract. This long-term commitment from Benfica underscores the player’s value, making the loan-to-buy option a sensible approach for Celtic as they look to bolster their midfield.
Benfica are reportedly looking for a sizeable sell-on clause, similar to Jotas, in any deal for Bernardo. This stipulation could complicate negotiations but also indicate the high regard for the young midfielder.
The coming days are set to be filled with anticipation and anxiety in equal measure as Celtic look to bolster their squad.
