Claims of Benjamin Tahirović’s Transfer to Celtic Unfounded, Say Danish Sources
Speculation surrounding Benjamin Tahirović’s potential move to Celtic has gained significant traction in recent days, but it now appears the claims lack credibility. According to Sport Witness, journalist Farzam Abolhosseini from Tipsbladet confirms that reports of an agreed transfer have been dismissed by sources within Brøndby IF.
Trusted Danish Sources Reject Celtic’s Link to Bosnia International Midfielder
Initial reports emerged from Bosnian media before gaining momentum in Scotland, creating an impression that the transfer was close to being finalized. However, this situation contradicts information from Denmark. Club insiders expressed clear frustration over the rumors, stating there was “nothing to it” and requested the speculation come to an end. While Tahirović is set to leave Brøndby this summer, a move to Glasgow is not anticipated.
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Importantly, Celtic has never particularly shown interest in the midfielder. Both Celtic and Rangers had observed the Bosnia and Herzegovina international prior to his transfer from Ajax to Brøndby in February 2025. However, there have been no formal negotiations or new offers since then. Brøndby’s sporting director Julius Ohnesorge and manager Thomas Nørgaard have both acknowledged that the player is actively seeking a transfer. During the 2025/26 Danish Superliga season, the 23-year-old participated in 25 league matches, scoring once and providing one assist.
T4O Analysis: Profile of Midfield Player Still Appeals to Celtic
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)
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Despite the rumors being debunked, it is apparent why Tahirović was considered appealing. Standing at 6ft 3in, he offers physical attributes that Celtic’s midfield lacks. He excels in breaking up attacks, winning aerial battles, and maintaining possession without taking unnecessary risks. These qualities were honed during his time at AS Roma and Ajax before he gained regular playing time in Denmark.
His statistics provide only a partial view of his capabilities. Last season, Tahirović made six appearances in the UEFA Conference League and played four games for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure against stronger teams.
Celtic Needs to Focus on Strengthening Midfield
Martin O’Neill currently has Callum McGregor orchestrating play from deep, while Arne Engels is developing into a significant presence in the midfield. Nevertheless, concerns about depth remain, especially as Reo Hatate continues to attract interest for a permanent move, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s situation remains unclear.
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While missing out on Tahirović won’t derail Celtic’s broader transfer plans, it does eliminate a player possessing a unique combination of size, discipline, and defensive capabilities. As recruitment efforts move forward, alternatives such as Ivan Bašić, known for his energy and versatility, may be more fitting for strengthening the midfield. Celtic must ensure they do not start another challenging season without solidifying their defensive options alongside McGregor.
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.
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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)
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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.
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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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