Celtic’s chase for Jakob Breum is still alive, with the Danish winger saying his future could change before the window shuts. The 21-year-old is high on Brendan Rodgers’ wish list, but the Hoops have yet to come close to Go Ahead Eagles’ price tag.
The Dutch club want around £5million, a figure boosted by a 25 per cent sell-on fee due to Breum’s old side, Odense. That means a big slice of any sale would head back to Denmark, so Go Ahead are determined to get full value for their man.
Celtic have gone in three times this summer. Their first bid of about £1.5million was quickly turned down, followed by an offer of £1.75million plus add-ons. A third attempt worth £3million still fell well short of what Go Ahead are looking for.
The club’s strong position is helped by their KNVB Cup win over AZ Alkmaar, which booked them a place in the Europa League group stages for the first time.
Their stance has only hardened after Breum’s old teammate, Oliver Antman, moved to Rangers earlier today. Go Ahead CEO Jan Willem van Dop has been clear that only one of their two sought-after attackers, Breum or Antman, would be sold this summer.
Breum said: (ESPN), “Time will tell.
“There’s still one month left, but as long as I’m here, I’ll do my best. It’s a boring answer, but that’s the way it is. Now that important players have left, other players have to step up.”
For Celtic, Breum’s comments hint that he could still be signed if the right bid comes in. With the wide areas needing more depth after Nicolas Kühn’s exit and Jota’s long spell out, the winger would bring speed and a direct edge to Rodgers’ attack.
Go Ahead are in no hurry to lose one of their key players, especially with a landmark European campaign ahead. Still, with other teams showing interest, a bidding battle late in the window can’t be ruled out.
It’s unclear if Celtic are willing to put up the money needed. Meeting Go Ahead’s price would almost certainly be required to get the deal done, particularly with the sell-on clause cutting into the Dutch club’s return.
Rodgers and his recruitment team now have a call to make. If they see Breum as someone who can make a big impact both now and in the future, they may push hard in the coming weeks. If not, they will have to move on to other targets before the deadline.
