NafisaThe transfer market has once again shown how quickly long-running pursuits can take an unexpected turn. Clubs often spend months, and sometimes years, monitoring players only to see another side swoop in at the final moment and get a deal over the line.
For Celtic, this summer has featured no shortage of speculation surrounding potential arrivals. While the Scottish champions continue to assess options across several positions, a number of names that have repeatedly surfaced over recent windows are now beginning to find new destinations elsewhere.
Supporters have grown accustomed to seeing familiar transfer links reappear every few months, particularly when it comes to younger players viewed as long-term investments. However, not every target remains available forever, and competition from clubs across Europe has made negotiations increasingly complicated.
That now appears to be the case with one player Celtic have tracked for well over a year.
Celtic look set to miss out on the signing of long-time target Jakob Breum, with reports emerging from France suggesting Saint-Etienne have reached an agreement with Go Ahead Eagles over the midfielder’s transfer.
The Denmark Under-21 international has been linked with the Hoops for more than 12 months, with interest resurfacing during each of the last three transfer windows.
Although there had been fresh reports that Celtic were prepared to renew their pursuit this summer after unsuccessful attempts in January, Breum now seems destined for Ligue 1 instead.
According to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, Saint-Etienne have finalised an agreement with Go Ahead Eagles, while the 22-year-old has already accepted a four-year contract that also includes the option of an additional season. A medical examination is reportedly next on the agenda.
The move effectively brings an end to a lengthy transfer story involving Celtic, whose pursuit previously attracted criticism from Go Ahead Eagles sporting director Marc van Hintum during last summer’s transfer window.
Van Hintum publicly mocked the Scottish champions’ attempts to land Breum, comparing their interest to Rangers’ unsuccessful efforts to recruit Oliver Antman.
Although the transfer fee has not yet been revealed, Breum had previously been valued at around £4 million, with Celtic’s earlier bids believed to have fallen well short of that figure.
The talented midfielder heads to France following another productive campaign in the Eredivisie, contributing 11 goals and assists combined from midfield as Go Ahead Eagles secured a 12th-place finish.
Breum has also represented Denmark at Under-21 level on six occasions, further enhancing his growing reputation.
Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne continue preparations for the upcoming campaign under former Hearts boss Ian Cathro, who recently took charge of the French side and now appears ready to welcome one of Celtic’s long-standing transfer targets into his squad.
Nafisa
