Celtics In Talks To Sign U21 Norwegian Winger Sondre For £7m

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Celtic Football Club is in direct negotiations with Norway’s Sarpsborg 08 over the capture of promising winger Sondre Ørjasæter, an Under-21 international, according to reports in the UK that suggest a price tag of around £7m. The move is a long-term addition with Brendan Rodgers on the lookout to strengthen his front line, both down the left and right side, from wide areas.

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Ørjasæter’s impressive form and transfer value

Sondre Ørjasæter has been in top shape for Sarpsborg 08, with 32 appearances in the 2024 season, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists. The player has attracted attention from many clubs across Europe, and Transfermarkt values the player at around €6 million. With only two years remaining on his contract, Sarpsborg 08 may be prompted to sell him while they can.

Ørjasæter is seen as a bright prospect with quite a lot of potential at just 21 years old, and the interest Celtic is showing in him reflects their eagerness to spend on young talents to strengthen the squad. Ørjasæter is noted for his speed, technical abilities, and creativity, which suits Celtic’s playing style.

Competition for Ørjasæter’s Signature

Competition in securing Ørjasæter’s signature for Celtic will come from Ligue 1 clubs, as well as Serie A outfits. According to reports, it is Fiorentina and Parma from Serie A, in addition to a French club named Nice, which are interested in Ørjasæter. As his market value has risen dramatically since he signed for Sarpsborg 08 for just €700k a year ago, Ørjasæter becomes a highly-coveted youngster in European football.

Assuming that Celtic is in negotiations, high-profile competitors like those may push up the price tag, thereby complicating negotiations.

On the other hand, Celtic has a good name in Europe, and in case they are to sell out, may be based on the outcome of their previous successes in training young players.

Celtic’s Injury Worries and Squad Shifts

Celtic’s need to strengthen their squad is further compounded by ongoing injury concerns and player absences. Ahead of their match against Ross County on Saturday afternoon, the team will miss several key players. Finnish goalkeeper Benjamin Kühn, forward Daizen Maeda, and winger James Forrest will all be out due to injury. In addition, Luis Palma will also be missing from the squad due to a family bereavement, leaving Brendan Rodgers with a depleted squad.

Despite the lack of those two, Celtic are said to be willing to allow Luis Palma to leave the club during the January transfer window if they can replace him adequately. Palma has struggled for regular game time this season, but his contribution in the build-up to the second goal in Celtic’s recent win over United does indicate that he could be a decent player if given opportunities.

Odin Thiago Holm to Leave Celtic on Loan

Elsewhere in the squad, another Norwegian talent is expected to depart Celtic in the coming days as Odin Thiago Holm prepares to leave on loan for the remainder of the season to join LAFC. Celtic are eager for Holm to gain regular first-team football as part of his development and hope that this loan move will help the young midfielder secure a place in Brendan Rodgers’ long-term plans.

The move is part of Celtic’s broader strategy to ensure that promising young players like Holm receive the experience needed to enhance their growth, ensuring they are ready for future opportunities at Celtic Park.

Celtic’s Transfer Plans Taking Shape

As Celtic enters a hectic January transfer window, the club’s interest in Sondre Ørjasæter is a clear indication of their intent to strengthen key areas of their squad. Competition from European rivals for Ørjasæter’s signature means Celtic will have to act quickly and decisively to secure the winger’s services.

The club’s plans are being influenced by ongoing player movements. Luis Palma and Odin Thiago Holm are likely to leave the club, which might create space for new arrivals. In the coming days, Brendan Rodgers may shape his team to be able to continue Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football and make a difference in European competitions.

The youth development system of Celtic has been strong along with their talent for recruiting potential stars such as Ørjasæter who will feature majorly in Celtic’s pursuit to achieve great results in the forthcoming seasons.

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