Celtic sent positive transfer message by €13m striker who can be Brendan Rodgers' Alexander Isak

Robin Bairner

• 26 May 2025 15:30 BST
• 12 min read

Analysis

Celtic are ready to put their Scottish Cup disappointment behind them by improving Brendan Rodgers’ squad over the summer, and the Parkhead side have been given encouragement by a player who could become their answer to Alexander Isak.

After falling flat in front of goal against Aberdeen at Hampden as they lost one penalties after a 1-1 draw, Celtic are in the market for a new striker. Kyogo Furuhashi was sold to Rennes in January for €10 million and has not been replaced.

One man linked with a switch to Celtic Park is Brondby hitman Mathias Kvistgaarden, who has now given an indication that he could be open to moving to the double winners.

Current ETV

Mathias Kvistgaarden

F (C)

Brondby

Mathias Kvistgaarden

F (C)

Brondby

€9.7M

ETV Range

€8.2M - €11.2M

View full profile

"I think I'm ready. I've made my mark at Brøndby and in the Superliga, so I'm ready to take the next step," he told TV2 Sport.

Speaking to Tipsbladet, the 23-year-old explained: “"I'm one of those types who would rather just concentrate on what's going on inside the chalk lines, because otherwise I don't feel so good running around in there.

“I'm mostly focused on playing my game, but of course, you have to be told what is happening behind you.

“In relation to the big picture, I have not been told so much that I can say anything. The only thing I can say is that there is something.

“But I also think that I would be surprised if there was not just one club that thinks I am interesting, without that sounding wrong.”

Why Kvistgaarden can become Celtic’s Isak

Kvistgaarden would be a promising signing for Celtic. After all, he scored an impressive 16 goals in 27 Danish Superliga matches last season, chalking up a further four assists.

Data analytics firm SciSports compare the Denmark U21 international in style to Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins or even Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

Mathias Kvistgaarden vs Alexander Isak: Playing style (2024/25

Mathias Kvistgaarden: 2024/25 Stats

Last season, Kvistgaarden was primarily a poacher who gets into good positions and last season posted a string of impressive statistics for Brondby in terms of his performances. He does have the capacity to play across the forward line in what is doubtless an attractive attribute to Rodgers.

There are, however, three questions to be answered.

Firstly, SciSports suggests that he is not quite as strong as Adam Idah nor does he have the potential of the Irishman, according to the data analytics experts.

Similarly, his price tag is thought to be a little steep. Celtic have been linked with a €13m move but the player’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €9.7m.

Finally, Kvistgaarden is currently ineligible for a UK work permit, which could be the decisive factor if his transfer to Celtic breaks down.

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