Report: Celtic pursuit for 27-goal striker Kasper Junker “impossible”

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Any Celtic pursuit for Danish striker Kasper Junker is reportedly off the cards.

According to reports in Bold, the 27-goal striker can’t move to the UK under new work permit rules under Brexit.

Junker had also been linked to West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace. He described a move to the Premier League as a “dream” to Danish news outlet B.T., but Celtic would have offered the lure of European football.

At 26, Junker has hit incredible form this season in Norway for Bodø/Glimt, adding 11 assists to his already incredible goal tally. 67 Hail Hail were the first to link Junker to the Bhoys, back in December.

Valued at €2m by Transfermarkt, Junker’s value has rocketed since links emerged in the winter. The striker, who stands at 6’1″, is not a full Danish international quite yet. However, he did come through the national team’s youth ranks.

Junker has never settled at one club for long, having played for Randers, Horsens and Stabæk before settling in Bodø in 2020.

For Celtic, Junker and other targets are likely out of bounds

Brexit rules have changed, meaning that those seeking work permits have to meet a certain criteria.

The new permit rules are based on three categories [via Daily Record]:

• Senior and youth international appearances
• Quality of the selling club, based on the league they are in, league position and progression in continental competition
• Club appearances, based on domestic league and continental competition minutes

This means that non-internationals and prospects from countries outwith the top 5 leagues in Europe will be much harder to buy.

Sadly, that includes Junker. A report from Norwegian outlet VG claims that £1.3m had been made by Serie A side Crotone in recent days. Given that Crotone are adrift at the bottom of the Italian top-flight, they could certainly use goals [Sky Sports].

Although, you’d have thought Junker’s goals would attract more lucrative and enticing offers from European sides. Certainly, Crotone can’t be the most tantalising club Junker could head to if he leaves Bodø this winter.

From a Celtic perspective, this is a huge blow. Junker is affordable, prolific and approaching his prime years. Edouard is likely to leave Celtic this calendar year, while Griffiths, Ajeti and Klimala are yet to find consistent form.