Why Celtic should consider a bold move for Bodo/Glimt's exciting 11-goal winger

By David Walton

January 11, 2022

Bodo/Glimt have certainly had a tough time of it in recent weeks with regards to play departures as their squad undergoes a huge overhaul ahead of the Celtic clash.

Indeed, the Hoops will face off against the 2-in-a-row Norwegian champions next month. Our first-leg meeting in the Europa Conference League takes place on February 17th. The return game in Norway, meanwhile, will be 1 week later.

Already, Bodo/Glimt have lost some big stars. Patrick Berg left for Lens whilst Erik Botheim joined Krasnodar in Russia. Midfielder Fredrik Bjorkan, meanwhile, went to the Bundesliga on a pre-contract.

Another who has been linked with a move away is talented Norwegian international Ola Solbakken. So far, only Galatasaray have been speculated as making any sort of serious move for the player [Fotomac]. That’s despite the fact the winger himself has already told the club he is looking to leave with only 12 months left on his deal [Tronderbladet].

Yes, we may be facing them in the Europa Conference League, but that’s all the more reason for Celtic to express their own interest in the player. Solbakken could potentially be a real solution to Ange Postecoglou’s winger craving. It’s been reported in recent times that Ange is eyeing up another wide man to add to his ranks. Naturally a right-winger, he still regularly played on the left last season.

Not to mention he had an impressive 11-goal campaign that saw him become Bodo/Glimt’s European talisman. 4 goals including 3 against Roma in the Conference League shows the kind of goal-threat he is.

Ola Solbakken to Celtic makes a lot of sense from a Hoops perspective

Solbakken is a direct winger who loves to take his man on and make advancing runs beyond the defenders. His all-action style has led to a recent reputation boost and more international recognition with Norway.

He would give Celtic an extremely physical option on the flanks yet one that has top technique and quick feet. Certainly something different to what we have and most certainly an upgrade on Mikey Johnston at the moment.

It’s not as if Bodo/Glimt would price us out either. We were interested in Berg before his move to Lens, and even then he only departed for €4.4m [£3.7m] [L’Equipe]. Botheim, meanwhile, only went for the equivalent of £4.1m, granted, there are some meaty add-ons included [Nettavisen].

The fact he’s into the final 12 months and has already told them he wants out tells its own story. Bodo/Glimt would be in no position to take a hard-line stance. They could look at Celtic as their Euro rivals and demand a slightly greater fee, but it would hardly be excessive. That isn’t how they operate.

Solbakken is in need of a step-up and so far there doesn’t appear to be a ton of clubs looking to make their move. So it would be interesting to see how far down the line we could get with this if there is any interest. Certainly, everything would point to this being smart business for Celtic, especially with Ange still wanting another winger.

As of yet, there have bee no reports indicating Celtic have a potential interest in this one. But it would be one heck of a way to weaken Bodo/Glimt whilst getting a potential star of the future on board.

In other news, Tuesday announcement sets up colossal 5 months for Celtic and the support can’t wait