Damir Redzic rejected late approaches from both Celtic and Rangers in January, even though the Hoops were prepared to pay more than the fee that eventually took him to Red Bull Salzburg.
The 22-year-old winger completed a move from Dunajska Streda to Austria for a figure in the region of £4 million, choosing Salzburg despite last-minute interest from both Glasgow giants. That sequence of events has now been confirmed by Dunajska Streda sporting director Jan Van Daele, who has explained why a switch to Scotland was never truly on the cards.
Van Daele revealed that Redzic was not initially for sale and that the club made that clear to the player as the window opened. Interest began to build as January progressed, but there was little appetite to negotiate until a serious proposal arrived.
Speaking to the Herald, Van Daele said the first approach came from FC Copenhagen in mid-January, but the offer was nowhere near acceptable. He added that the player’s representatives attempted to apply pressure, though the club stood firm on their valuation.
Everything changed once Red Bull Salzburg stepped in. Their interest was decisive and aligned with what the player wanted next in his career. Only after Salzburg made their move did Celtic and Rangers come forward.
Van Daele confirmed that Celtic’s bid actually exceeded Salzburg’s, but by that stage Redzic had already made up his mind. His focus was entirely on joining the Austrian club and following their well-established development pathway.
For Redzic, the appeal was clear. Salzburg offer regular European football, a proven route into elite leagues like the Bundesliga, and a reputation for nurturing young talent before moving them on to bigger stages.
From Celtic’s point of view, the situation highlights a recurring challenge. Even when they are willing to pay more, money alone is not always enough, especially when younger players view other leagues as better stepping stones for their ambitions.
This was not a deal that collapsed or a case of Celtic hesitating. The player simply did not see Scottish football as the right move at this moment. Salzburg were always his preferred destination, and once that option became real, everything else faded into the background.
The transfer works for Redzic and it works for Salzburg. Celtic are left to move on, reminded once again that not every target can be convinced by a higher offer when their priorities lie elsewhere.