If a report from the Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Mathias Kvistgaarden ahead of a potential summer move. They have ample attacking options in their ranks, yet Brendan Rodgers is eyeing reinforcements to form a formidable force for years.
A defeat against Kilmarnock on Sunday evening knocked them out of the League Cup. The ‘treble’ chase is over, but the players now have one less tournament to concentrate on. They should rather aim for a better European run after a few underwhelming years and the Northern Irishman must bolster his squad to compete abroad.
The 21-year-old Denmark youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Skjold Birkerød, Lyngby and Brondby before breaking into the latter’s first-team setup. So far he has appeared 65 times for the Danish side including 5 Superligaen outings this season. With 15 goals and 7 assists, the youngster emerges as a bright attacking prospect in the European circuit.
Predominantly a centre-forward, Kvistgaarden is also comfortable down the flanks. His flexibility across the frontline makes him a perfect fit for Rodgers’ philosophy and style of football. Having said that, he should not be handed an immediate starting status given the depth as well as quality in the attacking third.
Should Celtic Step Up The Chase For The Young Attacking Ace?
Although the Celts sanctioned Jota’s transfer to Al-Ittihad for a staggering £25m fee, the parity has been restored by tapping the Asian market once again. Marco Tilio has been roped in from Melbourne City, also Yang Hyun-jun was tied down earlier this window from Gangwon FC. While the young Socceroos international is yet to make his debut, the question remains on Yang’s preparedness to emulate Jota’s flair and finesse high up the pitch.
Kvistgaarden is a prodigy with a very high ceiling, but he might find it difficult to settle in and deliver instantly. Celtic are well-equipped in attack with Kyogo Furuhashi retaining the ‘number 9’ status thanks to his exquisite scoring record. Oh Hyeon-gyu has done well as the understudy to the Japanese sensation, and the likes of Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, Sead Haksabanovic and James Forrest are already there to challenge and cover each other down the wide. The Dane, therefore, could find a place way down the pecking order if he chooses a move to Parkhead before the window is slammed shut by the end of this month.
