Brendan Rodgers reveals the surprising role a Chelsea legend played in Benjamin Nygren’s Celtic transfer

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Brendan Rodgers has revealed that a Chelsea legend was responsible for introducing him to Benjamin Nygren.

Celtic completed the signing of Nygren last week in a deal estimated to be around the £1.2m mark.

Henrik Larsson’s son is excited by Nygren and the 23-year-old has become the eighth Swedish player in Celtic history.

The former Nordsjaelland man is tipped to be a success at Parkhead and Rodgers had a certain person to thank for unearthing him.

• READ MORE: Celtic told by the scout that discovered Benjamin Nygren what his biggest strength is, there’s reason to be excited

Brendan Rodgers details Michael Essien involvement in Nygren transfer

Rodgers and Michael Essien crossed paths at Chelsea when the current Celtic manager was working alongside Jose Mourinho.

Essien was a crucial member of the first team squad at Stamford Bridge and is now working as the assistant manager at Nordsjaelland.

During his first interview of pre-season, Rodgers revealed that it was Essien who tipped him off about Nygren.

He said: “Benjamin is a guy who has really grown and developed.

“He was a really talented youngster and made a move that didn’t quite work out, but has done well at Nordsjaelland.

“I was in contact with a friend of mine there who was a top midfielder – Michael Essien. He works at the club and spoke really highly of Benjamin.”

When will Benjamin Nygren make his Celtic debut?

Nygren is one of the several Celtic players who are yet to return to Lennoxtown after being on international duty with Sweden.

He is due to arrive imminently with fellow new signing Kieran Tierney so won’t be available for the club’s first pre-season friendly against Queen’s Park.

The Cork City game on 8 July may be too soon as well but the first of the games in Portugal may be where we see the new arrival.