Celtic 'target' Milan van Ewijk considers interest from Europe, as Dutch clubs hover

By Euan Davidson

April 7, 2021

It seems Celtic target Milan van Ewijk is more receptive to a transfer than we thought.

The Celtic ‘target’ [Sun], currently with ADO Den Haag, was linked to the Bhoys due to his excellent performances in the Eredivise, and the sale of Jeremie Frimpong. Putting two and two together, it seems that Celtic did indeed have interest in the flying full-back.

The Hoops face competition, though. van Ewijk seems keen on a move to Heereveen. In an interview with Omroepwest, van Ewijk responded to the speculation:

“It is also a reward for the good matches I have played this season”

“Now [I must] continue this line and then at the end of the season I will see where it is going.”

“I have my feet on the ground. Friends and family take care of that. My agent also often says: “know where you come from”. I have come a long way and still a long way to go.

“The hype around me doesn’t let me float.”

“In the matches we played against [Heerenveen] with ADO it looked attractive. They play with high backs who hit the ball a lot. Suppose there is a meeting, I would like to know what their plan is. I am a boy who makes choices based on feeling.”

ADO Den Haag wonderkid Milan van Ewijk / (Photo by Angelo Blankespoor/Soccrates/Getty Images)

A considerable young talent, but Milan van Ewijk seems set on staying in Netherlands

Given the kind of season Milan van Ewijk has had, his signature would represent a coup. So far in 20-21, the right-back has made 29 appearances, scoring once and setting up 3 more [Transfermarkt]. With Den Haag rock-bottom of the Eredivisie, it’s inevitable that the Dutch right-back will be assessing his options [Sky Sports].

Celtic aren’t alone in their reported interest. According to Voetball International, Schalke 04, Hamburger SV and SV Darmstadt are all looking to land the 20-year-old.

The Bhoys need a new right-back as a matter of priority. Hatem Abd Elhamed and Jeremie Frimpong both left in the winter window. If Jonjoe Kenny were to miss any matches, Anthony Ralston represents the only cover in that position. Neither Neil Lennon nor John Kennedy seem desperate to give the Academy graduate playing time.

For Milan van Ewijk, this’ll be a very interesting summer, indeed. Heerenveen seem in the driver’s seat, and the player has expressed desire to stay in Holland. Not long after the Celtic rumours emerged, the right-back told Voetbalzone:

“The Netherlands is a familiar environment for me. That is why I would prefer to learn here instead of abroad, where I don’t know anyone at all.

“I want to grow gradually as a player and as a person. I do sometimes hear there are clubs (interested in me) but I leave that to my father and my agent – I prefer to stay in the Netherlands now.”

There’s still a chance, though. As he says, he makes choices based on feeling. If Celtic can put together a convincing pitch to the Dutchman, and play to his more sentimental side, it could prove too much of a lure.

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