Celtic has formally pursued the signing of Benjamin Nygren from Nordsjaelland, according to reports over the past few days and last night the interest increased as Celtic were given permission from the Danish club to speak to the player whose contract expires in December 2025.
Ben Nygren has scored 16 times in 32 matches for Nordsjaelland
Last season, the 23-year-old found the net 16 times in 32 matches for the Danish top-flight side. Nygren’s contract with Nordsjaelland expires at the end of this year. He has emerged as a transfer target for Brendan Rodgers’ side with The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Celtic have officially expressed interest in signing the player, with his club reportedly willing to negotiate a transfer if the offer meets their expectations.
Last night, as per Sky Sports, Nordsjaelland granted Celtic permission to enter discussions with the player, and negotiations with his representatives are currently underway.
Should the Hoops reach a personal agreement with Nygren, who is currently on holiday after playing in the June internationals for Sweden, they will proceed to negotiate a deal with his club. As stated, the attacking midfielder’s contract in Denmark runs out at the end of the year, and, due to a ‘gentleman’s agreement’, the club does not plan to offer an extension.
Nygren on ideal replacement for Matt O’Riley
While primarily an attacking midfielder, Nygren can also play as a striker or on either wing. He has represented Sweden at the senior level four times, netting two goals in those matches. Last season, Nygren scored a hat-trick in a match for Nordsjaelland against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbache side in the UEFA Conference League.
Today Nordsjælland’s sporting director Phil Radley insists that his club is in no rush to part company with Nygren, even if it means he leaves for free in January. Speaking to Danish outlet TV2 Radley said:
“There is a lot of focus on FC Nordsjælland’s big transfers. We also have a big history with players who are here until the end of their contract, where they have contributed with 100-200 matches. What these players have contributed on the pitch is just as important as the big transfers.”
The Price is Right for Celtic
Early indications priced the Sweden international at £2m but according to our colleagues at Tipsbladet the price might be slightly lower. The credible Danish outlet report:
‘Celtic are the latest club to enter the fray for Superliga star Benjamin Nygren. It seems that the Scottish giants are leading the race, which also includes FC Copenhagen, Anderlecht, Bundesliga and MLS clubs.
Sky Sport reports that FC Nordsjælland has given Celtic permission to talk to Benjamin Nygren’s representatives about a transfer. If Celtic and Nygren agree on the terms, Celtic will begin negotiations with FC Nordsjælland. Therefore, it will be a summer transfer and not a transfer in the winter, when Nygren’s contract expires.
‘Tipsbladet reported on Thursday that the price of Benjamin Nygren is around 15 million kroner for a sale here and now. That money should not be a problem for Celtic to find.’
That works out at around £1,712,427.00 via the Google currency converter.
Following the confirmation of Kieran Tierney’s return, Celtic have been linked with numerous players recently as transfer dealings intensify ahead of the summer transfer window opening for the Scottish champions.
The left-back signed a five-year contract on Tuesday, but Rodgers remains focused on strengthening the attack with additional signings.
Callum Osmand looking likely to be the next through the door at Celtic
With Tierney announced and Callum Osmand looking likely to be the next through the door, it seems as if Celtic, unfashionably, are making moves early. In the last few windows signings have been delayed – therefore this apparent urgency to get players in for pre-season is indeed a refreshing approach.
A quick fire capture of Benjamin Nygren would be a massive coup for Celtic just as the transfer window opens for business. As Just an Ordinary Bhoy noted on The Celtic Star this morning, he looks and plays very much like Matt O’Riley, high praise indeed.
Conor Spence
