Mathias Kvistgaarden – “If that happens, there will also be a lot of money in the coffers,” Brondby Chief Carsten Jensen…
One of the high-profile cases that Celtic were pursuing in the transfer market lately has been that of Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden. The young Danish forward was on the scoresheet against Brondby’s rivals FC Copenhagen at the weekend which helped them to a 2-1 victory. The player showed a clean set of heels to none other than Celtic-linked defender Scott McKenna, before sliding the ball past the ‘keeper for the equalizing goal later on in the second-half of the match.
The number nine looks to have lightening-quick pace and possesses great athleticism; attributes which have been somewhat diminished within the Celtic squad of recent times. There is a noticeable lack of sheer power in the side over the past few years and players like Kvistgaarden would certainly improve that if the club were to bring him to Scotland.
There was a to-and-fro during the January transfer window between Celtic and the player’s club, however, it was clear that Brondby either didn’t want to give the player away at this crucial stage in a title contest, or that the Hoops heirarchy just plain and simple didn’t want to pay the required fee which would have been needed to bring the Danes to the table for a serious talk. Knowing the history of our transfer dealings – especially in the winter window – the latter seems the most probable.
Adam Idah was instead drafted in on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign and has did well, it has to be said. The big Irishman has hit the ground running since he’s come up to Scottish football from Norwich City in the English Championship and has managed a goal rate of 1 in 2. 5 goals in 10 appearances and some great endeavour has gotten people within the support talking about whether or not Idah would merit a full-time position at the club.
That’s another one that remains to be seen presently and whilst one can only partake in mere conjecture over comings and goings, it’s readily apparent to anyone willing to listen that Kvistgaarden is a player of real interest to the Hoops recruitment team. Brondby’s top man, Carsten V Jensen, has conceded that the club’s top asset may very well be heading for pastures new next season after such strong showing and his unlimited potential for growth too.
However, he has caveated that knowledge with the comfort blanket of remuneration, if and when the striker departs the Danish outfit. Speaking on Kvistgaarden via Bold.dk, Carsten said: “I recognise that there is a risk that we will lose Kvistgaarden. If that happens, there will also be a lot of money in the coffers, so we have something to work with. We must have a strong squad. It’s about timing things and making the big sales at exactly the right times. We must stick to our sporting ambitions. We want to reach a European group stage.”
If Celtic are keen on Kvistgaarden and see him as a potential challenger to the talismanic Kyogo Furuhashi, then they should pay the fee and bring the player to the club. If they feel he is too rich for our blood, then they should move on and pursue other targets for the manager instead of allowing another transfer saga to develop and drag on throughout the summer.
Paul Gillespie
