Celtic Eyeing Summer Swoop For This Swedish Sensation: Why Rodgers Must Make It Happen | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Athletic is believed to be true, Celtic are eyeing a summer swoop for Benjamin Nygren. The Nordsjælland youngster has suitors in Europe’s top five leagues, but the Danish side are willing to listen to offers for their prized asset rather than losing him for nothing in six months.

The 23-year-old Sweden international progressed through the academy ranks of Utbynäs SK and IFK Göteborg before breaking into the latter’s Allsvenskan squad. His emergence caught the eyes of Genk, who brought him to Belgium in June 2019. However, the Pro League outfit loaned him to Heerenveen in the Netherlands for gametime, and the youngster eventually joined Nordsjælland in January 2022 for a minuscule €600,000 fee.

After a slow start to life in Denmark, Nygren revived his form and cemented a regular role since last season. Primarily a right-winger, he has exhibited his flexibility across the frontline. Moreover, his adaptability as an advanced playmaker, as well as a ‘number six’, depicts the all-round traits he offers both for his club and the country. With 16 goals and 4 assists in 32 games, the Swedish ace showed his creative spark and poaching traits throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – JUNE 6: Benjamin Nygren #10 of Sweden scores the first goal during Hungary vs Sweden Friendly Match at Puskas Arena on June 6, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Why Celtic Must Tie Down Nygren

Nygren has netted 35 times and laid on 8 more in 107 appearances for the Tigers, including a hat-trick against Fenerbahce in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League. His arrival should bolster the Celts, with Brendan Rodgers expected to utilise his versatility in and around the attacking third.

The Hoops have ample options high up the pitch, yet they might undergo a crisis amid injuries and transfer rumours. They brought Jota back to Parkhead earlier this year, but an anterior cruciate ligament rupture has now ruled him out for months. Outcast Luis Palma could be offloaded soon following a failed loan with Olympiacos, and the champions of Scotland are eyeing a left-sided attacker to challenge and cover Daizen Maeda week in and week out.

While the Bhoys are already linked with Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Nilson Angulo, and Sondre Ørjasæter, a move for Nygren might not depend on the aforementioned names. Either of the three would feature as a like-for-like replacement for Jota, whereas the Swede is likely to slot in down the right if Nicolas Kuhn parts ways in due time. Regardless of Kuhn’s future, Rodgers should secure his services in the summer window and deploy him flexibly both in attack and midfield. His inclusion would bring depth and variation to the system and tactical transitions.