Reported Celtic target Kasper Junker devastated by missed opportunity to leave Norway

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Reported Celtic target Kasper Junker is fuming.

The Bodø/Glimt star had been linked with a move to the Premier League or to the Bhoys by website TEAMtalk.

That’s off, however, with the Norwegian champions holding firm. Serie A side Crotone looked close to having a deal done, but ultimately, Junker is staying put.

According to Norwegian outlet VG, Junker is “sad” and considering his options. His agent told VG:

“They brought Junker for 370,000 euros (3.8 million kroner) a year ago and promised him that if he stayed for a year, scored 20 goals and won league gold, then he had to leave. It sounded like a good plan to all parties. Now they could sell him for five, six, seven and eight times as much.

“He is sad. I just talked to him. He said “I’m not even angry, I just do not understand. I will be 27 in March. This was my chance. They take it from me because they want to make the [most] money”. Now we can not sign for a European club. It’s too late.”

For Celtic, Kasper Junker could’ve been much-needed boost

While the lure of the Premier League is hard to deny, Celtic had just as much of a chance as reported fanciers West Bromwich Albion.

Junker got a taste of European football with Bodø/Glimt coming close to knocking A.C. Milan out of the Europa League before it began [ESPN].

Having seen his colleagues Jans Petter Hauge and Philip Zinckernagel depart [Daily Mail], the prolific marksman Junker would’ve expected a deal to be a formality. With Celtic set to lose Edouard and the Dane coming into his prime, it looked the perfect opportunity.

If Junker’s unhappiness continues in Bodø, we could well see a move materialise in the summer. Celtic have used the Scandinavian market to their advantage before, with Kristoffer Ajer, Stefan Johansen and – of course – Ronny Deila arriving over the last decade.

While Junker pines for a move, it’s important that he doesn’t let his value decrease. If he allows unhappiness to feed into his performances, his big move could be opportunity could be gone forever.

Here’s hoping the Bhoys make contact.

Junker or no Junker: here’s our look at Celtic’s squad for the 20-21 run-in.