Celtic are currently at the front of the queue for Kasper Hogh, the Bodo/Glimt forward who impressed in the Champions League this season with six goals in 14 European games. However, the Hoops have a tough battle on their hands. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, made it clear that several teams across Europe are tracking Hogh.
Celtic face a crowded race for Bodo/Glimt’s Champions League striker this summer
O’Rourke explained that Bodo hold all the control right now; the Norwegian club are under no pressure to sell, as their deep European run brought in plenty of prize money, and they want to remain competitive next season. He noted that Hogh’s strong performances against teams like Manchester City and Atletico Madrid are exactly why top-flight clubs are taking notice.
He added that teams from elite leagues are ready to challenge Celtic as soon as Bodo show a willingness to negotiate. O’Rourke expects the fee to be around £10 million, while transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio has separately confirmed that Celtic are leading the chase, though Hearts remain keen as well.
“He’s under a contract at Bodo until 2029, and the Norwegian club are under no real pressure to sell Hogh now because they enjoyed such a successful run in the Champions League.
“It has really boosted their financial coffers, and they will be looking to have another crack at the Champions League next season as well, so they will want to keep hold of Hogh for that.
“It’s going to be a difficult one for Celtic to do due to the price tag, and I think because of what he did in Europe last season with Bodo/Glimt in big wins against the likes of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
“A lot of clubs across Europe will be looking at Hogh, and if there’s any opportunity that he could leave Bodo, I’m sure there’ll be clubs in some of those top leagues who’d be ready to rival Celtic for his signature.”
Is a £10m striker who struggles in tight, physical leagues a risk Celtic can actually afford?
Celtic have been searching for a dependable centre-forward since Kyogo Furuhashi moved to Birmingham City last summer, relying on Kelechi Iheanacho, Tomas Cvancara, and various loan signings with mixed success. Hogh, a 25-year-old goalscorer with 50 goals in 98 games for Bodo, looks like the right profile to fill that vacancy.
His finishing ability, European experience, and clever runs behind the defensive line suit Celtic’s tactics. That said, it is worth noting that Hogh has scored only three Eliteserien goals this season from an expected goals (xG) tally of 4.65. This suggests he is missing chances against weaker domestic sides, which could be a red flag if he faces similar low-block defences in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic’s incoming permanent manager will also have a major say in this deal. A manager who favours high-pressing and attacking football would get the best out of Hogh’s attributes. At £10m, this signing would break Celtic’s transfer record, leaving the board to decide whether he represents better value than other proven alternatives in Europe before the window opens.
Celtic must decide fast before bigger clubs turn interest into action
Celtic have a major advantage because they can offer Champions League football next season, something Hogh reportedly values more than a bigger paycheck at a club without European matches. This gives Celtic the upper hand over the likes of Leeds United and Norwich City.
With the transfer window opening in June and the Scottish title race nearly wrapped up, Celtic’s recruitment staff are already ramping up their summer plans. The club are well-placed right now, but they need to turn their current advantage into a formal bid before rival European clubs step up their interest with concrete offers.
