Celtic have reportedly set their sights on defensive reinforcements this month. With Auston Trusty joining in the summer and Stephen Welsh departing on loan over the last month, there is room for a new centre-back.

With Jota signing his long-awaited new Celtic deal yesterday until 2030, the Hoops are now underway in the market this month ahead of the January deadline this coming Monday.

However, the Hoops have been linked with a surprise move for a promising young defender, as respected journalist Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports revealed yesterday evening.

Celtic are one of a number of clubs in Europe interested in Odense BK centre-back Tobias Slotsager.

The Denmark U21 international is out of contract in the summer and it’s understood initial talks have taken place with his representatives.#OBDK #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/W0JDnQVMOX

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 27, 2025

Slotsager looks to be a potential signing geared towards next season’s Champions League qualifiers. With the Hoops set to face two rounds, it’s no coincidence that Celtic are looking to be busier this month than usual, ensuring players are lined up before the dreaded qualifiers. These matches are by no means a foregone conclusion, given the Bhoys’ recent history in Champions League qualifiers.

At 19 years old, the Danish defender has a bright future ahead of him, and if he were to sign, pre-season would give Brendan Rodgers a great chance to see Slotsager up close before the qualifiers. Having made 14 league appearances for Odense BK this season, he has already shown great potential at such a young age.

Slotsager could be exactly what Celtic need over the coming years. While he might find a place in the starting XI hard to come by at first, at just 19 years old, he would have plenty of time to break into the first-team picture. This can be seen as an intelligent piece of scouting from the Hoops.