Celtic’s interest in Swedish defender Viktor Eriksson may have taken a significant step forward after the centre-back scored a dramatic 119th-minute winner for Hammarby in their Europa Conference League qualifying tie.

Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale was reportedly in attendance in Belgium as Eriksson’s goal sealed a 2-1 extra-time win away to Charleroi, sending the Stockholm side through to the next round.

It was a dream moment for the 23-year-old to showcase his qualities with Celtic eyes on him. Strong in the air, aggressive in the tackle and comfortable on the ball, Eriksson has been a standout for Hammarby this season.

He has made 21 appearances in all competitions as the club push for the Allsvenskan title, currently sitting second in the table.

Slut – Hammarby är vidare till kvalomgång 3!#RCSCHIF | #Bajen pic.twitter.com/e9Qg16PSnQ

— Hammarby Fotboll (@hammarbyfotboll) July 31, 2025

Celtic are believed to be weighing up a potential £2 million move for the defender as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his backline. The Irishman has been clear about the need for reinforcements in central defence.

Eriksson’s aerial dominance and physical presence would bring a different profile to Celtic’s defensive options.

The Swede earned his first international cap last year and was included in Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Sweden squad in June, although he didn’t feature in the matches.

His growing reputation has reportedly began to attract attention from clubs abroad, with Celtic’s interest now firmly established after Tisdale’s scouting trip.

In Belgium, the game looked to be heading for penalties before Eriksson powered home the decisive goal in the dying moments of extra time.

The defender’s celebration highlighted just how much it meant to both him and his teammates, with the Hammarby players mobbing him in front of the travelling support.

For Celtic, the timing could not have been better. With recruitment plans well underway ahead of the transfer window closing on September 1st, seeing a potential target deliver in such a high-pressure moment will only have strengthened his case.

Whether that performance accelerates a move remains to be seen, but Viktor Eriksson has certainly made sure his name will stay high on the Hoops’ radar.