Former Manchester United target Kasper Dolberg is wanted by Celtic in the January transfer window, with the Anderlecht striker scoring 29 goals in all competitions since the start of last season
Kasper Dolberg of Denmark celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Wales and Denmark at Johan Cruijff Arena on June 26, 2021 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Kasper Dolberg once accidentally injured a fan during a warm-up(Image: Olaf Kraak - Pool/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United target Kasper Dolberg isn't just renowned for his goalscoring prowess – his shooting can be genuinely hazardous.
The 27-year-old Anderlecht forward is rumoured to be heading to the UK in an £8million transfer, but not to the Red Devils. Dolberg has been strongly linked with Scottish side Celtic, with United's interest coming way back when the striker was just 19 years old and accidentally hitting fans at Ajax.
The young forward once hit an Ajax fan so powerfully during pre-match preparations that the supporter required hospital treatment.
The incident occurred in 2017 ahead of Ajax's encounter with Willem II, when ex-United manager Erik ten Hag was still in charge of the Dutch side.
Dolberg unleashed a thunderous effort that went wayward and sailed into the crowd. The strike headed straight for supporter Stijn Udo, who was seated alongside his 11-year-old nephew.
In an instant response, Udo lifted his arm to protect the youngster, saving the boy from a sore one to the face - but leaving him with a painful wrist injury.
Kasper Dolberg (12) of Anderlecht celebrates after winning the Jupiler Pro League season 2024 - 2025 matchday 15 between RSC Anderlecht and AA Gent on November 24 , 2024 in Anderlecht, Belgium.
Dolberg started out at Ajax before later joining Nice and then Anderlecht
What appeared to be a minor knock quickly developed into a significant issue, and a trip to hospital after the match revealed the extent of the damage. Writing on Twitter (now X) at the time, Udo posted a photo of himself wearing a sling and playfully asked Ajax to tell Dolberg to be more cautious with his striking.
"Will you ask Dolberg that from now on he does not go for the goal in the warm-up? Double wrist fracture," he wrote.
Back then, Dolberg was still a teenager and already catching the eye of clubs throughout Europe, with United amongst numerous top-tier sides monitoring him.
He managed 23 goals across all competitions during his first senior campaign – and subsequently completed a switch to Nice in 2019. Since his move to Anderlecht in 2023, Dolberg has been on fire.
He scored 15 goals in his debut season and upped the ante to 24 last term, turning heads – especially among Celtic fans.
Following Anderlecht's Conference League qualifying exit at the hands of AEK Athens, Celtic have reportedly ramped up their pursuit of the Danish striker. After a 2-0 loss in Greece on Thursday, Celtic are making moves to secure Dolberg, while current Hoops star Adam Idah is nearing a £7million transfer to Championship side Swansea.
Kasper Dolberg of Denmark looks on during the Nations League Round 6 match between Serbia qnd Denmark at Dubocica Stadium, Leskovac, Serbia on November 18, 2024.
United were previously interested in the striker
Dolberg is likely to be one of the players leaving Anderlecht, as the club faces financial pressures after missing out on European football. Numerous reports from Belgium outline the upheaval at the Brussels-based team, with several exits expected as the squad is streamlined.
United fans will be hoping that their club follows Celtic in pursuing goalscoring threats. So far this season, United has scored just three goals and conceded four.
Ruben Amorim has secured the attacking signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko so far – but he will need to act fast if he wants to add even more range to his forward line before the deadline on September 1.