Celtic are leading the race to sign Kasper Hogh of Bodo/Glimt this summer, according to leading transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
Despite uncertainty over the identity of the Parkhead boss for next season, transfer window preparation is underway ahead of a major rebuild.
Celtic were linked with Hogh in January, though the Danish striker was bound to stay after scoring three goals in two games against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City to qualify his side for the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
He now looks likely to depart this summer, with interest from the Celts as well as Hearts.
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Gianluca Di Marzio: ‘very likely’ that Kasper Hogh will join Celtic
Speaking to Norwegian outlet Spilxperten, the Italian journo said: “It is true that both Celtic and Hearts want Kasper Hogh.
“Celtic is leading the race for him, but Hearts really want him as well.”
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“At this moment, Celtic are leading the race to get him, so it is very likely that he can join Celtic.
“But Hearts are still insisting on getting him, so they will try to convince him until the very end and then the decision is up to Kasper Hogh.”
Beginning his career at Randers, he spent time on loan in Iceland, but eventually moved to Norway when he was unable to break through in the Danish Superliga.
Just a single season at Stabaek was enough to earn him a move to Kjetil Knutsen’s side. Last season, he racked up seven goals as the club reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Phillippe Clement’s Norwich City had reportedly been leading the race to sign Hogh before the City game in January, but his aforementioned January performances may just have taken him out of their reach.
Despite, this, Hearts seem to have their hat in the ring. Even if they can win the title in Scotland, their chances of signing a striker who scored his first goal for Denmark look slim.
Celtic have been here before with the Norwegian side – both Philip Zinckernagel and Patrick Berg have been widely-reported transfer targets for the Hoops while at the Norwegian club in the past.
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Bodo/Glimt players that beat Celtic under Ange Postecoglou: where they are now
Many in the Parkhead crowd were impressed when Bodo, still under the management of Knutsen, came to Celtic Park and beat Ange Postecoglou’s Hoops in 2022.
Hugo Vetlesen, who scored and assisted for the Norwegian side that day, now plays for Club Brugge after being brought to Belgium by Ronny Deila in 2023.
Fellow goalscorer Amahl Pellegrino now plays for San Diego in MLS, whilst star forward Ola Solbakken was signed by Roma before moving to Greece and Japan; he now plays for Nordsjaelland in Denmark.
On the bench for Bodo that day were present-day Celt Joel Mvuka and future Bundesliga winner Victor Boniface.
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