Celtic’s long-standing interest in Mathias Kvistgaarden could be set for a dramatic summer twist. The Brøndby striker has been on the Parkhead radar for several years, with many supporters expecting the club to make a move in January after Kyogo Furuhashi secured a transfer to Rennes. However, no new striker arrived before the window slammed shut, leaving many fans questioning the club’s decision-making.

Kyogo’s departure marked the end of an era. The Japanese forward had been the focal point of the Celtic attack for three and a half years, scoring crucial goals and leading the line with distinction. After helping Celtic secure a spot in the Champions League knockouts, he was granted his wish to leave for Ligue 1 side Rennes, who are battling to stay afloat in France’s top tier.

With Kyogo gone, the expectation was that Celtic would finally pull the trigger on Kvistgaarden. Despite the clear need for reinforcements up top, a deal didn’t materialise. Brøndby’s asking price of £13.5 million in January was seen as too steep by the Celtic hierarchy, and the club opted to hold off.

However, CeltsAreHere has been informed by a reliable source that Kvistgaarden’s contract contains a buyout clause that becomes active in the summer. The clause reportedly drops his price to under £10 million, with figures in the region of £8 million being touted. This substantial reduction could tempt Celtic to renew their efforts to bring the Danish forward to Glasgow.

The clause structure is a growing trend in modern football. Clubs and players often agree on contracts that include specific windows where buyout clauses kick in. This allows clubs to protect their assets in the short term while providing the player with a future exit route.

Kvistgaarden’s potential arrival could add significant firepower to a Celtic front line that. With Kyogo gone, there’s a clear need for a proven goal scorer to lead the line, and Kvistgaarden fits the profile Celtic have been tracking.

That said, Celtic won’t have a free run at the striker. If they’re aware of this contractual clause, so too will other clubs across Europe. Should interest intensify, it may come down to who can offer the best personal terms to the player.

For now, Brendan Rodgers’ focus remains on wrapping up the title and preparing for a Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone. Another treble remains a possibility if the Hoops navigate the coming weeks and months successfully.

But eyes will certainly drift towards what could be a significant summer of recruitment at Celtic Park.