Celtic Stunned As 23-year-old’s Surprise Move Collapses Despite Agreement Claims: Setback For Glasgow?

Celtic Stunned As 23-year-old’s Surprise Move Collapses Despite Agreement Claims: Setback For Glasgow?

Talk of Benjamin Tahirović joining Celtic has gathered plenty of attention in recent days, yet the story appears to have very little substance. Sport Witness , citing Tipsbladet journalist Farzam Abolhosseini, reports that claims of an agreed transfer are simply incorrect after checks were made with sources inside Brøndby IF.

Trusted Danish sources dismiss claims linking Celtic with a summer move for the Bosnia international midfielder

Those reports first surfaced in Bosnian media before quickly spreading across Scotland, creating the impression that the move had reached its final stages. That picture doesn’t match the information coming from Denmark. Club sources reportedly reacted with clear frustration, insisting there was “nothing to it” and calling for the speculation to end. Although Tahirović is expected to leave Brøndby this summer, Glasgow isn’t viewed as his next destination.

That doesn’t mean Celtic have never admired the midfielder. Both Celtic and Rangers monitored the Bosnia and Herzegovina international before he left Ajax for Brøndby in February 2025. Since then, though, no formal negotiations or fresh offer have emerged. Brøndby’s sporting director Julius Ohnesorge and manager Thomas Nørgaard have openly admitted the player is searching for a transfer. During the 2025/26 Danish Superliga campaign, the 23-year-old played 25 league matches, scoring once and adding one assist.

T4O take: Celtic could still use this midfield profile

ALMELO, NETHERLANDS – JANUARY 27: Benjamin Tahirovic of Ajax in action during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and AFC Ajax at Erve Asito on January 27, 2024 in Almelo, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Even with the rumours dismissed, it’s easy to understand why Tahirović appealed. Being 6ft 3in, he brings physical attributes that Celtic ‘s midfield lacks. He breaks up attacks, wins aerial duels and keeps possession moving without unnecessary risks. Those traits were shaped through his development at AS Roma and Ajax before earning regular football in Denmark.

His numbers only tell part of the story. Tahirović added six UEFA Conference League appearances last season and featured four times for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showing he can handle demanding occasions against stronger opponents.

Celtic need another ball-winning midfielder

Martin O’Neill already has Callum McGregor controlling games from deep while Arne Engels continues to grow into an influential number eight, although he is linked with a move away. Even so, the depth behind them looks uncertain. Reo Hatate continues to attract interest over permanent exits, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s position remains unresolved.

Losing the chance to recruit Tahirović won’t derail Celtic’s transfer plans, though it removes a player with a rare blend of size, discipline and defensive awareness. Recruitment should now turn towards alternatives such as Ivan Bašić, whose energy and versatility could strengthen the midfield differently. What Celtic can’t afford is entering another demanding campaign without adding a genuine defensive presence alongside McGregor.

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