Benjamin Nygren has officially joined Celtic on a five-year contract, completing his £1.7 million move from FC Nordsjaelland.
The 23-year-old Sweden international, fresh from his revelation season, scoring 15 goals last term and hitting a memorable hat-trick in the Europa Conference League, was unveiled on Friday.
Speaking exclusively to Celtic TV, Nygren said: “I feel amazing to have signed for Celtic, it’s so nice to be here. I’ve been looking forward to this so much.
“I’m a player who wants to create a lot of chances and go towards goal. I’m a link between the defence and the offence and I can run a lot. I’m an offensive-minded player but I also work hard and try to do my best in all parts of the game.
“I’m a very competitive person and this is something that I love about Celtic. It’s a huge club and I love that. And, also, the winning mentality. I want to be with similar-minded people who also love to win.
“I had my breakthrough when I was very young, so even though I’m 23 years old, I have played over 200 games. I have a lot of experience and that’s what I want to bring.”
Nygren follows hot on the heels of Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan, both returning to the Hoops this summer, and young forward Callum Osmand, who is also expected to join the first-team squad. His arrival brings a fresh, creative spark to Brendan Rodgers’ side as they prepare for a pivotal pre-season.
The Hoops return to training this Friday at Lennoxtown, ahead of a busy fixture list that includes friendlies against Queen’s Park (July 4), Cork City (July 8), Sporting CP, Newcastle United, Ajax, and Como or Al Ahli. Crucially, the European challenge begins in August with Champions League qualifiers, a stage where Rodgers will look to his new number 8 to make his mark.
On the commercial side, Nygren has also inherited the iconic number 8 shirt, previously worn by Kyogo since Scott Brown retired. It’s a sign of trust, and expectation, that the Swede will be central to Celtic’s ambitions at home and in Europe.
