Bodo/Glimt's star player suggests he could leave before Celtic clash

By Euan Davidson

December 14, 2021

Celtic are likely to face a Bodø/Glimt side without their 2021 Player of the Year, Patrick Berg.

Berg, who has been talked up by Celtic supporters in the past, admitted upon receiving his season honours that a move is very much on the cards. His club manager, national manager and teammates all agree [VG], and he’s even named his own successor.

Berg thinks it’s probably best for himself and his club to leave in the upcoming January window. Undoubtedly, he’ll have his pick of options, after a fantastic campaign for Celtic’s next European opponents.

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder has broken into the Norway team, after a season which yielded 5 goals and 7 assists [Transfermarkt]. And Berg suggests it’s time to move on to pastures new.

The Norwegian midfielder said [VG]: “It is Glimt’s opportunity to get a financially good sale for me as a player considering that I have one year left on my contract. 

“I also think the club might think that it is best to sell me now, considering that we have a replacement already ready in the club.”

The replacement that Celtic will need to look out for is 21-year-old Elias Kristoffersen Hagen, according to VG.

Stale Solbakken, known on these pages for touting a move for Kristoffer Ajer, is also keen to see another of his national team players on a bigger stage. Meanwhile, Berg’s teammate Ohi Omoijuanfo tipped him for a move to Arsenal.

Celtic job could be made easier if Bodø/Glimt don’t have Patrick Berg at their disposal

Bodø/Glimt will likely see their best two players move on before facing Celtic in the Europa Conference League. It’s not just Patrick Berg – left-back Fredrik Bjørkan is reportedly on his way to Hertha Berlin [TV2].

The Norwegian champs find themselves in a difficult spot. Yes, there’s talent in the squad, but it’s the end of their season. When they have to face Celtic in February, the composition of their team could be much different. For the latter stages of a European competition, it’s a perilous place to be.

It’s something that Celtic absolutely have to take advantage of. We’ve seen fit and ready Scandinavian sides puncture the hopes of Hoops teams in the summer qualifying rounds. It’s absolutely zero fun, and now’s the time for payback, with the tables turned.

Patrick Berg is, by anyone’s standards, a quality player who Bodø/Glimt have relied upon heavily. At 24, a move to a top 5 league seems inevitable.

Without his controlling influence in the middle of the park, the Norwegian side will be objectively weaker. Although Berg has named his successor (strange in itself), Hagen only amassed 700 minutes in the Eliteserien this season [Transfermarkt].

Stepping into Berg’s role will be tough.

Of course, none of this guarantees anything for Celtic; Bodø/Glimt remain one of the tougher draws we could’ve had. But without Berg, they do immediately become a weaker team.

Read more: Hibernian send out manager update just days before Celtic clash; trusted source says Neil Lennon “not in the running”