The Denmark sensation has taken his game to another level and looks certain for a big-money switch
Mathias Kvistgaarden has been sensational for Brondby
Celtic have tried and failed to land Mathias Kvistgaarden in previous transfer windows.
But the Brondby goal machine looks certain to move on this summer after another dazzling campaign.
Kvistgaarden has been on the Hoops’ radar over the last two years as the 22-year-old continues to catch eyes in Denmark.
Brendan Rodgers attempted to sign the prolific hitman last season as well as January, but Celts were priced out of a deal.
Now, the Scottish champions are expected to rekindle their interest in the hugely talented attacker ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.
Unlike recent years, Celts WON’T qualify directly into the league phase and will have to negotiate a two-legged play-off round to join the rest of the big boys.
And although 30-goal sensation Daizen Maeda is on course to hoover up every Player of the Year award in Scotland, Rodgers wants to add more firepower in his quest to return to the grand stage.
Long-term target Kvistgaarden fits the bill as, like Maeda, the Denmark Under-21 starlet can play through the middle or out wide, offering versatility in key areas where Rodgers likes to rotate.
However, Celtic will hope they haven’t missed the boat on the rising star, whose stock has soared again this season with 17 goals and five assists across all competitions.
Under contract until 2027, his red-hot form has attracted the attention of Sporting Lisbon, Frankfurt and other European big guns.
Mathias Kvistgaarden could ease the goal burden on Daizen Maeda(Image: SNS Group)
And an inevitable transfer bidding war could ramp up his asking price, which currently stands at an eye-watering £13.5million as Brondby hold out for top dollar.
Chairman Jan Bech Andersen confirmed that the Danes knocked back Deadline Day bids from Celtic in January, but hinted a summer exit would be on the cards.
He said: “Yes, we turned down offers – concrete ones and less concrete ones. There were never any numbers that made us deviate from our plan not to sell him in this transfer window.
“They weren’t good enough, but hopefully it will be when the time is right for him and the club. It was 100 per cent a goal for us to keep him for the rest of the season. There have been many enquiries about him – on the last day and the penultimate day of the transfer window.
“But we have a good dialogue with Kvistgaarden and his agent about what we are trying to achieve together. And the plan was for him to play for us in the spring, when we have many big goals to achieve and then we have to see what happens in the summer.”
Former Celtic star Thomas Gravesen was stunned Brondby managed to survive another window without their top scorer being sold.
He said: “I actually thought that Kvistgaarden would be sold to Celtic, and it will be a fantastic place for him to start his adventure abroad.
“He will be able to play the way he plays, and he will be put on stage. I have no doubt that Mathias Kvistgaarden will come abroad at some point, because he is skilled enough for that.”
One of the hottest properties in the Danish Superliga, Kvistgaarden is destined for bigger and better things. And it could be now or never for Celtic this summer as Rodgers looks to finally land his man.
Mathias Kvistgaarden career stats
2024/25: Games – 28. Goals – 17. Assists – 5.
2023/24: Games – 28. Goals – 10. Assists – 7.
2022/23: Games – 37. Goals – 10. Assists – 4.
2021/22: Games – 20. Goals – 5. Assists – 1.
2020/21: Games – 4.
2019/20: Games – 1.
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