Reported Derby County and Celtic target Kasper Junker was among the biggest surprises of the transfer window as he ended up staying at Bodo / Glimt amid heavy interest.
The Danish striker had a season to remember, winning the Norwegian top-flight with Bodo / Glimt at a canter while scoring a whopping 27 goals in the process.
Junker shot to prominence by scoring past AC Milan at the San Siro in the Europa League.
His form attracted a host of interest. TEAMtalk claimed Derby, Celtic and West Bromwich Albion were all keen on him while clubs across Europe were monitoring his progress.
According to VG, Junker was the subject of a £1.3 million bid from Italian top-flight side Crotone midway through January, but it was dubbed unreasonable and rejected.
With Norway’s season finished, a January move for one of Europe’s leading scorers felt almost inevitable. The player himself was hopeful, according to the Athletic.
But against the odds, the reported Derby and Celtic target missed out on a move.
The Rams were busy on deadline day, signing five players on loan including wide player Patrick Roberts who had a previous successful loan spell at Celtic.
Derby are the lowest scorers in the Championship with 17 goals in 27 games. A new striker was needed, but with finances tight, Lee Gregory arrived on loan from Stoke City.
The Hoops, meanwhile, have all-but given up the chase for the Scottish Premiership title and their goal of ten-in-a-row as Rangers move over 20 points clear at the top.
Junker could have been an ideal acquisition to give the Hoops a lift.
But Celtic aren’t the only club who could say that. Considering Junker’s scoring record over the past six months, it’s incredible how nobody took the gamble on him in January.
Also see: Neil Warnock shares what he told Patrick Roberts about Derby County move
Also see: Championship boss says Derby wanted his player, would let him join Rams in the summer