“We’re happy Celtic couldn’t snatch him” – Rising star player now SHINING in his current club after he REJECTED Celtic’s offer this summer, talks about his Decision.

This summer, Celtic made a late attempt to sign Danish winger Gustav Isaksen from Lazio, a move that could have significantly bolstered Brendan Rodgers’ squad. However, despite Celtic’s interest and a loan offer with an obligation to buy, Isaksen opted to stay with Lazio, a decision that has since proven beneficial for both him and the Italian club.

Isaksen, a 23-year-old Denmark international, arrived at Lazio from FC Midtjylland in August 2023. His debut season saw him score three goals and provide four assists in 40 appearances, establishing himself as a key player for the Serie A side. Despite his relatively modest goal contributions, Lazio’s management, including coach Marco Baroni, has demonstrated “total confidence” in his potential, believing that Isaksen’s best is yet to come.

Celtic weren’t the only club vying for Isaksen’s signature. Dutch club Feyenoord also made an offer for the winger, but Lazio rejected both proposals, as they view the player as an integral part of their future. This decision has been vindicated by Isaksen’s recent performances, as he has been “on the rise” in the early weeks of the 2024-2025 season.

Celtic’s Pursuit of Isaksen

Brendan Rodgers and Celtic were keen on adding Isaksen to their squad as part of a late transfer push. The club submitted a loan offer with an obligation to purchase the player outright, but the Danish winger was not interested in making the switch to the Scottish Premiership. His reluctance to join Celtic has been interpreted as a sign of his confidence in his role at Lazio, where he believes he has more opportunities for growth and success in Serie A.

Celtic’s interest in Isaksen was not without reason. The Danish international is known for his speed, dribbling ability, and work rate—qualities that would have made him a valuable asset to Rodgers’ team. Additionally, with Celtic competing in both domestic and European competitions, having a versatile winger like Isaksen could have strengthened their depth in attack.

However, Isaksen made it clear that he wanted to remain at Lazio, a decision that has been met with relief by both the player and the club. As reported by Italian media outlets like Il Messaggero, Isaksen’s refusal to move to Celtic was seen as a positive development for Lazio, as they are determined to build their future around young, talented players like him.

Lazio’s Faith in Isaksen

Lazio’s decision to keep Isaksen, despite offers from Celtic and Feyenoord, reflects their long-term faith in the player. Marco Baroni, who took over as Lazio’s manager, has made it clear that the club sees Isaksen as a critical component of their attacking setup. Baroni has been vocal about his trust in the 23-year-old winger and is keen to give him more opportunities to prove his worth this season.

This trust has already paid off, as Isaksen made his first start of the 2024-2025 season in Lazio’s 2-1 victory over Hellas Verona on Monday. The winger played a key role in the match, contributing to his team’s attack and helping secure three crucial points for Lazio. His performance against Verona has further solidified his status within the squad, and it appears that both the player and the club are pleased with the decision to reject Celtic’s offer.

Isaksen’s rise in recent weeks has not gone unnoticed. Lazio fans and management alike are excited about his potential to develop into one of the team’s key players. His ability to adapt to the demands of Serie A and his continued growth on the pitch have made him a valuable asset, and Lazio is keen to nurture his talent.

A Missed Opportunity for Celtic?

For Celtic, missing out on Isaksen could be seen as a missed opportunity. The Danish winger’s skill set would have been a perfect fit for Brendan Rodgers’ style of play, which emphasizes quick transitions, high pressing, and attacking versatility. Adding a player like Isaksen could have provided Celtic with more depth and quality in wide areas, especially as they navigate the challenges of competing in multiple tournaments.

However, Celtic’s failure to land Isaksen should not be seen as a significant setback. The Scottish club has a strong squad and remains competitive in both domestic and European competitions. Rodgers and his team will likely continue to explore other options in the transfer market to strengthen their attacking options, but Isaksen’s decision to stay at Lazio leaves the door open for Celtic to pursue other targets.

Isaksen’s Future at Lazio

As for Gustav Isaksen, his decision to remain at Lazio appears to be paying off. The winger is enjoying a good start to the new season, and with the full support of his manager and teammates, he is poised to have a breakout year in Serie A. Lazio’s faith in him is clear, and the club is eager to see him reach his full potential.

Isaksen’s ability to make an impact in one of Europe’s top leagues will be closely monitored by both his current club and potential future suitors. If he continues to develop at this pace, it is likely that more clubs will express interest in signing him in the future. For now, though, Lazio seems to have made the right decision in keeping the Danish winger, as he is quickly becoming a key player for them.

In a football landscape where young talent is constantly in demand, Isaksen’s decision to stay at Lazio rather than pursue a move to Celtic or Feyenoord demonstrates his commitment to developing his career in Serie A. While Celtic may have missed out on a talented player, Lazio’s decision to hold onto him could prove to be a masterstroke in the long run.

Conclusion: A Rising Star’s Journey

Gustav Isaksen’s rise at Lazio has been marked by steady progress and growing confidence. After rejecting a move to Celtic, the Danish international has focused on establishing himself as an important part of Marco Baroni’s plans at Lazio. His recent performances suggest that he is on the verge of a breakthrough season, one that could see him emerge as one of Serie A’s top young talents.

For Lazio, Isaksen represents a crucial piece of their long-term strategy. The club’s decision to keep him, despite offers from Celtic and Feyenoord, reflects their belief in his potential to contribute significantly to their success. As Isaksen continues to develop, it is clear that he has a bright future ahead of him in Italian football.

Celtic, on the other hand, will likely move on from their pursuit of Isaksen and focus on other targets. While the Danish winger would have been a valuable addition to their squad, Brendan Rodgers and his team remain well-equipped to compete at the highest level. Isaksen’s story, however, serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best decision for a player is to stay put and continue growing where they are.