Celtic transfer target Sondre Orjasaeter has admitted he was so confident about joining the club in January that he kept his passport on him at all times…
However, the Norwegian claims he’s glad the lucrative deal fell through, believing he wasn’t prepared for such a move at just 21 years old.
Celtic showed interest in the Sarpsborg starlet during the previous transfer window, but the Eliteserien side are said to have valued him at £7 million, which reportedly led the Scottish champions to step back from the deal.
“I had to carry my passport with me everywhere”
Sondre Orjasaeter has surprisingly made it clear he’s not keen to leave his homeland anytime soon, pointing out that he doesn’t see himself as an ordinary young footballer. He said: “They were pretty brutal days for me in January. I struggled to sleep. I didn’t know if I was going to be in Norway or not. I could have moved at any moment. I had to carry my passport with me everywhere.
“When the window closed, I felt a sense of relief. I came to the conclusion that I was determined to stay in Sarpsborg and play here, because I didn’t know if I was ready to leave yet. Going abroad now is another level up. It had become more professional and everything. There were many thoughts going through my head during that period,” Sondre Orjasaeter said.
“If I get a little more time in Sarpsborg, I think I’ll mature and be ready for it eventually. Of course, you will have a better life after your career if you have more money in your account, but you only live once. For me, it is just as important to have fun along the way. It is probably even more important.”
“If I only had football, my head would explode!”
Sondre Orjasaeter added: “I have a lot of friends to keep me grounded. I think if I only had football, my head would explode! I’m not much of a fan of football, but I love having it as a job. I couldn’t have a better job than what I have.
“But when I see that my friends are going on holiday or to ski at Easter, I get jealous. I’m not going to lie. I hope that those clubs understand that not everyone can be the same. At the same time, I have my serious side too. And I think that kind of thing comes a little with age.”
Some strange remarks there from a player Celtic were reportedly very interested in back in January. You wonder how these latest comments will be regarded over at Lennoxtown and whether Celtic will return to the table for Sondre Orjasaeter this summer.
BREAKING: Celtic have made an opening bid for Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter 🚨 pic.twitter.com/8kHwGeqRht
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 28, 2025
When asked about Celtic’s bid for Orjasaeter ahead of the transfer window closing in January the Celtic manager said he had no knowledge of any bid being made.
Can’t this one happening.
Conor Spence
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strange things to say and im a little disappointed to hear it because i was really up for this guy joining in january. hes a strong dribbler and physical, can get past his man and is tenacious. mentality is a key thing in football and very much so at celtic right now so im not sure i’d want another questionable mentality in the dressing room.