There were times this summer when a move to Celtic for Ola Solbakken looked potentially possible, but now it’s time to firmly put the final nail in that particular coffin.
Solbakken to Parkhead has been something the supporters have been getting behind stretching back to his Europa Conference League performances against us in February. Solbakken ripped Ange Postecoglou’s side apart in both legs as he showed what he was all about first hand.
But that was hardly a one-off either. He also shone against Jose Mourinho’s Roma side and has been one of Bodo/Glimt’s main assets throughout their emergence over the last 18 months.
No wonder then the Celtic fans’ excitement levels were whipped up back in late April when the Scottish Daily Mail claimed the Hoops were eyeing him as a potential alternative for Jota [Print edition, 27/04, back page]. Given the fact his contract is now into its final 6 months, you can see why it looked exciting and even plausible.
However, Celtic never appeared to make a formal move with reports drying up over our interest since then. With the likes of Roma and Napoli also reportedly battling it out for his signature, this became a fantasy transfer a long time ago [Corriere dello Sport].
But with Jota officially arriving at Celtic on a permanent deal? It can now firmly be put to bed for now. Solbakken to Celtic almost certainly won’t be happening – there’s no real reason for us to chase it.
Ola Solbakken to Celtic never looked like it was going anywhere
Given the reputation Solbakken already has in Europe, a move to Celtic Park never looked likely. Fans had every right to be optimistic and hope for the best, but when you’re battling with some of Serie A’s top clubs, it’s a bit of a losing fight.
However, not that this is in any way a bad thing for the Hoops. The main reason the discussion over this can now end is because we’ve landed our priority target. Solbakken was reportedly only ever being considered as an alternative to Jota. Clearly, Celtic wanted the Portuguese talent first and foremost.
In fact, we can probably forget the prospect of signing any wide-man we’ve been linked with this summer. Ange now has a host of options at his disposal and he won’t be quick to rush into anything else given the level of competition.
Would Solbakken have taken Celtic to another level? Not necessarily. It’s the kind of fun transfer that can get you excited for the window, but it’s naive to say it would’ve solved all of our problems. You get the feeling Ange would much rather have players he knows and have already integrated into the system here.
Excitement over the Jota signing is at peak level and for many it was their number 1 priority for the club this summer. That we’ve achieved it so quickly is a huge boost to supporters and the football club as a whole.
But it’s time to end the talk on Solbakken. There’s no need to pursue this story any further.
In other news, Report: The number of tickets Legia will give to Celtic supporters for Boruc farewell
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