Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Bodo/Glimt winger and Norway international Ola Solbakken, according to the Scottish Daily Mail [Print edition, 27/04] (via the Daily Record).Â
The lowdown: A familiar foe
The 23-year-old played a major hand in eliminating the Hoops from the UEFA Conference League earlier this season, scoring and assisting across the two legs as the Norwegian side got past Ange Postecoglou’s charges 5-1 on aggregate.
Since then, Celtic have been tentatively linked with the ace whose contract is set to expire at the end of 2022 (Transfermarkt).
Now it appears that the interest from Celtic Park could be about to ramp up a notch as we approach the winger’s free agency…
The latest: Mail provides an update
As per the Scottish Daily Mail (via the Daily Record), Celtic officials have identified the Norway international as a possible alternative to loan star Jota.
Whilst the club hold an option to make Jota a Bhoy on a permanent basis in the summer, the deal is yet to be finalised and the hierarchy may already be considering other avenues.
One possibility would reportedly be to ‘rekindle’ their interest in the two-cap Norwegian star, who has also been linked with a move to join Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.
The verdict: Smart planning
Most connected with Celtic would want to see Jota arrive on a permanent basis having already proved to be a hit in Scotland with 11 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
However, should that transfer not be forthcoming, never one to take a backwards step, Postecoglou would no doubt welcome Solbakken into the Lennoxtown ranks with open arms.
Already a fully-fledged senior international and with a stunning seven-goal European campaign under his belt, the talented wide-man would be a superb addition to the Celtic squad.
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Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Solbakken has shone in the early season in Norway, averaging a 7.07/10 average match rating (Sofascore) – we feel he would make for a shrewd signing at the right price even regardless of Jota’s situation.
In other news, an ex-Celtic hero has taken a dig at Rangers ahead of Sunday’s game. Read more here.
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