Wilfried Nancy admits he wanted to sign Celtic player with ‘big potential’ for Columbus Crew

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Wilfried Nancy was over the moon with Celtic’s win at Livingston.

A double from Benjamin Nygren was complemented with another goal from Hyunjun Yang and an Arne Engels Celtic penalty as the Bhoys left Livingston with all three points.

The victory allowed Celtic to close the gap to Hearts to just three points as Nancy’s team start to show the attacking intent that the Frenchman was keen to implement at the start of his tenure.

And one of the players who was key to Celtic’s win at Livingston caught the eye of Nancy as he admits he once tried to sign him when he was at Columbus Crew.

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Wilfried Nancy wanted Celtic star Benjamin Nygren at Columbus Crew

Nancy was blown away with Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren’s performance at Almondvale. So much so that the Hoops boss admitted he wanted the player with him at Columbus Crew.

Nancy told the assembled press conference as journalist Callum McFadden shared his question on X, “I’m going to tell you in confidence, when I was in Columbus, I wanted to have him.

“So, I know him really well. I know what he can do. I think that he has big potential. He hasn’t reached yet his potential.

“So, but I think that in terms of relation, connection with players, this is a player of relations. He is not a dribbler. But his ability is to make the run for the team for his teammates.

“But also the technique that he has. So, now he knows that he has to be stronger. He has to believe a little bit more in himself.

“But I like what I’ve seen so far. But, I would challenge him.”

Benjamin Nygren’s impressive Celtic stats so far

Nygren has been an absolute bargain signing for Celtic this season.

Bought for around £2m, the Swede has been in tremendous form for Celtic and after his double at Livingston, has proved great value for money.

Here are his goals stats so far:

• Played: 29
• Goals: 10
• Assists: 5

Reminiscent of Luis Palma’s start at Celtic, let’s hope Nygren can keep his form going all season as the Bhoys look to successfully defend their title.