It’s fair to say Celtic’s Conference League opponents Bodo Glimt had a player touted by many, myself included, as a potential Celtic signing, one who would fit Celtic’s style of play under Ange Postecoglou and a player who wouldn’t break the bank.
The Norwegian Champions’ deep lying playmaker Patrick Berg was that well kent face, and when he headed off to France to join Lens for a fee reported to be £3.3m, the announcement felt like an opportunity lost.
However, on this one it seems Celtic were very much on the ball, did make an offer, and the player rejected interest from ourselves and Ajax before decided to move to Ligue 1 and Lens.
As reported by Daily Record today Berg’s decision was based on the style of football played in the French top flight and how it fitted his own style – “Yes, Celtic and Ajax were both interested in me. I had a good season with my club where we won the league and I was voted Player of the Year. But I felt Lens were the best option for me.
“When I heard of their interest, I made it clear they were the only club I wanted to move to. I felt ready to take the next step and I believed French football and Lens would suit my style very well. I feel very welcome here.
“Since I arrived, it has felt like the perfect choice for me. I now hope to contribute to the victories of the team and to the development of the club. There are good young players at the club and I think this club has a bright future.”
As the saying goes you can’t win them all, but as another states, you have to be in it to win it. And on this occasion Celtic did at least play their hand only to have to fold to the superior cards held by Lens.
There are a lot of positives to take in the sea change in attitude being exhibited by Celtic in the transfer market. Deals are now being done early, and looking at the players we are attracting, there are less project punts and more first team ready players coming in the door.
Patrick Berg, like Guchi, Hatate and Maeda, would have been one of those oven ready stars, well scouted and a good fit for Celtic’s playing philosophy under Ange Postecoglou. Therefore, despite missing out, it is encouraging to hear the player himself say Celtic made their move and it was his choice and the style of play in Ligue 1, rather than inaction from Celtic, which saw him choose the north of France over the east end of Glasgow.
The standard of player we are targeting now certainly shows a belief in Postecoglou and his eye for a player, and the company we are keeping in Ajax and Lens when looking at that talent shows we are willing to be competitive with our European peers. As such losing out on Patrick Berg may be disappointing but being in a position to do so, at long last, is hugely encouraging.
Niall J
