Damir Redzic turned down interest from both Celtic and Rangers in January, despite the Hoops’ offer being confirmed to be higher than the fee eventually paid by Red Bull Salzburg.
The winger moved to Austria from Dunajska Streda for around £4 million, opting for Salzburg even as both Glasgow clubs tried to enter the picture late in the window.That detail has now been confirmed by Jan Van Daele, the sporting director at Dunajska Streda, who has spoken openly about how the situation unfolded and why Redzic never seriously entertained a move to Scotland.
Redzic, 22, had been on the radar of multiple clubs as January progressed, but Van Daele made clear the player was not actively being shopped. The club’s stance only shifted once Salzburg stepped forward with intent.“The starting point was that we did not want to sell Damir and we told this to the player.”
Interest came before Salzburg, but it did not move the needle.He continued: “The first interested party was FC Copenhagen in mid-January, but their offer was so low that it was practically impossible to take it seriously.”
According to Van Daele, Redzic’s representatives then attempted to force the issue, with little success.
“Then his agents appeared, tried to put pressure on us, but we still insisted that the amount was not enough. After that, Red Bull Salzburg arrived, and that’s when things really got serious.”
It was only at that point that Celtic entered the frame. By then, the direction of travel was already clear.
“After Red Bull entered the picture, suddenly other clubs appeared – Celtic and Rangers were also both interested. In fact, Celtic’s offer was higher than Salzburg’s, but the player was fully focused on Red Bull.”That line is the key one. Celtic were prepared to pay more, but Redzic had already decided what he wanted next.This was not a case of a deal collapsing or Celtic pulling out. The player simply had no appetite for Scottish football at this stage of his career.
From Redzic’s perspective, Salzburg offers a very specific pathway. Regular European football, a track record of selling into the Bundesliga and beyond, and a development model that aligns with his long-term aims.
For Celtic, it underlines a familiar reality. Financial muscle alone does not close deals when players have other priorities, particularly younger ones looking at leagues perceived as stepping stones.
It also shows how late-window interest can sometimes be more about opportunity than conviction. Celtic were willing to outbid Salzburg, but they were never the destination Redzic had in mindThe move suits the player. It suits Salzburg. Celtic move on, aware again that not every target sees Glasgow as the next step, regardless of the money on the table.