Celtic have moved forward in their bid to sign Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjaelland this summer. The Swedish attacker has impressed many clubs after a great season in Denmark, but Celtic are trying to get ahead of others and secure a deal.
Nygren’s contract with Nordsjaelland ends in December, meaning he has only six months left. The Danish club has now allowed Celtic to speak with the player and his representatives to try and reach an agreement.
Sweden’s Benjamin Nygren celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
Fredrik Sandberg/TT News Agency via REUTERS
ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. SWEDEN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SWEDEN.
The 23-year-old has been in top form this season. Playing mostly as a number ten, Nygren scored 15 goals and provided several assists. His strong performances not only helped his club but also earned him a call-up to the Swedish national team, where he has already scored two goals in his first four appearances.
Celtic have acted quickly to open talks while the player is on holiday. With many clubs watching him, the Hoops are trying to move fast and get a deal done as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to build his squad for a big season, which includes Champions League football.
He said: (Fotbollskanalen), “It’s clear that there is a lot of interest. I have done extremely well this whole season. I have scored 15 goals and a few assists in a position as a number ten.
“I am not a number nine who will score goals but more of a player who will create chances and set up others.
“But this season I have scored a lot of goals and shown my qualities. I did that last season too, and I was injured for half of that season.
“It is a league and a team that has a lot of interest and eyes on them, and I have been a big contributing factor to us being as good as we have been.
“I will leave. I’m not thinking about the league, but more about coming to a club that shares my ambitions and that believes in me extremely much.”
Nygren fits the type of signing Celtic often target, young, talented, and with experience at a good level. The club are looking to bring in quality players who can help them both in Scotland and in Europe next season.
The Swedish attacker’s style would give Celtic more options in attack. He can create chances, link play, and also score goals, even though he is not a traditional striker.
His comments suggest he wants to join a club that believes in him and has the same ambitions. With Champions League football on offer, Celtic could be the right next step for him.
Talks are set to continue, with Celtic hoping to finish the deal soon. With other clubs interested, the Hoops want to move quickly and avoid a transfer battle.
