- Ajax are targeting a deadline-day move for Dolberg
- The move comes as a replacement for Brobbey
- Anderlecht open to sale due to financial blow
After Celtic opened talks to bring the striker to the Premiership, De Telegraaf claimed that Ajax are open to a possible reunion six years after he left to join Nice. This comes as a last-minute replacement for Brian Brobbey, who is set to join Sunderland, according to reports in Netherlands. The Danish international is reportedly keen on a return to the club, and talks are underway to complete the transfer before Tuesday’s deadline.
The move is driven by Ajax’s urgent need for a new striker, with Brobbey’s departure leaving a significant void in their attack. Anderlecht are understood to be open to a sale as the Belgian club needs to raise funds after being eliminated from the Conference League. However, Ajax face competition for Dolberg’s signature from Scottish champions Celtic, who have reportedly already submitted a €9 million bid.
Dolberg spent four years with Ajax after joining from Silkeborg in 2015. He won an Eredivisie title with the club and was part of the team that reached the Europa League final in 2017, losing 2-0 to Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. They see the 27-year-old, who scored 45 goals in 119 matches for the club, as the preferred option to replace Brobbey.
Celtic are looking to strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ forward line, but the Daily Record reports the Scottish club had two offers turned down by Anderlecht. What makes him an interesting player is that Dolberg has had a good season at Anderlecht with 24 goals in 45 games and is also back in form again this season with five goals in nine games.
With the transfer window closing in a matter of hours, Ajax are in a race against time to agree a deal with Anderlecht. Should they fail to secure Dolberg, the Amsterdam club will be forced to quickly pivot to other targets on their shortlist to ensure they are not left without a replacement for the outgoing Brobbey.