Celtic have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign highly-rated Brøndby IF midfielder Benjamin Tahirović this summer, with Martin O’Neill’s side preparing to submit the first official offer for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
Both Celtic and Rangers have been monitoring the 23-year-old for several months, but latest reports suggest the Parkhead club are now in pole position to secure his signature. Personal terms are understood to have been broadly agreed with the player, giving Celtic a significant advantage over their Old Firm rivals.
Tahirović joined Brøndby IF from Ajax in February 2025 in a deal worth approximately €2.8 million. Since arriving in Denmark, the tall central midfielder has impressed with his physical presence, ball-winning abilities, and composure in possession, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the Brøndby engine room.
Player Background and Recent Form
Born in Spånga, Sweden, on 3 March 2003, Tahirović has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at senior international level since 2023, earning over 25 caps. He played a crucial role in helping his country qualify for the upcoming World Cup after a dramatic playoff victory over Italy in March.
This season in the Danish Superliga, Tahirović has featured in 25 league matches (13 starts), accumulating 1,198 minutes. He has contributed 1 goal and 1 assist, while averaging strong defensive metrics: 0.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, and 2.8 ball recoveries per game. His duel-winning rate and ability to cover large areas of the pitch have not gone unnoticed by scouts across Europe.
Over his full campaign across all competitions, the midfielder has played 1,608 minutes in 32 appearances, showcasing his durability and tactical versatility. He can operate as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box operator, or even in a more advanced role when required.
Celtic and Rangers Battle for the Same Target
According to Danish outlet Sport Witness, Celtic have now decided to go on the offensive for the 23-year-old. While Rangers remain interested, sources indicate that O’Neill’s side are currently in the best position to get the deal over the line.
Celtic are ready to negotiate directly with Brøndby and are expected to table a formal bid in the coming days. The Danish club are under no immediate pressure to sell, with Tahirović’s contract running until June 2028, but they are likely to demand a significant profit on the €2.8m they paid Ajax just over a year ago.
Transfermarkt currently values the player at €4.5 million, with his peak valuation reaching €9.6 million during his time at Ajax. Brøndby are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of €6-8 million, especially with the player set to appear at the World Cup this summer. A strong tournament performance could inflate his price tag even further.
Why Celtic Hold the Advantage
Several factors appear to be working in Celtic’s favour. The club’s established reputation for developing young talent and offering regular European football is attractive to Tahirović. Additionally, reports suggest the player and his representatives have been more receptive to overtures from Parkhead than from Ibrox.
Martin O’Neill is known for his man-management skills and has a track record of revitalising midfielders. Sources close to the negotiations claim that personal terms have progressed smoothly, with the player excited by the prospect of playing in front of the passionate Celtic support.
Rangers, under Danny Röhl, have also shown strong interest, but they appear to be slightly behind in the pursuit. Other clubs, including FC Porto, have previously been linked with the Bosnian midfielder, though Celtic currently lead the pack.
Contract, Agency and Market Value
Tahirović is represented by the Italian agency Reset Group, led by Davide Lippi. The agency has been instrumental in managing his career moves from Roma to Ajax and then to Brøndby.
His current contract with Brøndby runs until 2028, providing the Danish club with strong negotiating leverage. However, if Celtic meet their valuation expectations, a summer departure looks increasingly likely.
Analysts believe that acquiring Tahirović would represent excellent value for Celtic. At just 23 years old and with international experience, he has the potential to become a long-term asset who could grow in value significantly while contributing immediately in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions.
What Tahirović Would Bring to Celtic
Standing at 191cm tall, Tahirović offers a commanding physical presence in midfield. His ability to win duels (averaging 2.0 per game this season), combined with intelligent positioning and progressive passing, makes him an ideal fit for a high-pressing system.
Celtic fans can expect a player who is comfortable both breaking up opposition attacks and transitioning quickly into forward areas. His experience playing in the Eredivisie and now the Superliga has prepared him well for the intensity of Scottish football.
With the World Cup on the horizon, securing his signature before the tournament would be a major coup. It would allow O’Neill to integrate him into the squad during pre-season, giving him time to adapt before the rigours of a domestic campaign and European group stages.
Potential Challenges Ahead
Despite Celtic’s strong position, the deal is far from completed. Brøndby’s reluctance to sell cheaply, combined with interest from other European clubs, means negotiations could still prove tricky. The player’s upcoming international commitments also add an element of uncertainty.
Should Tahirović impress at the World Cup, bigger clubs from larger leagues may enter the fray, potentially pricing Celtic out of the race. However, the reported agreement on personal terms gives the Glasgow club a crucial head start.
For Rangers, missing out on this target would be another blow in what has become an increasingly competitive transfer battle with their city rivals. Strengthening the midfield remains a priority for both sides ahead of the new season.
Conclusion
As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Celtic’s next move. An official offer for Benjamin Tahirović is believed to be imminent, and if successful, it could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the player and the club.
With Martin O’Neill at the helm and European football on offer, Tahirović has the potential to become a fan favourite at Celtic Park. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the Bosnian midfielder makes the move to Scotland.