Rumoured Celtic summer target Patrick Berg is assessing his options ahead of January

By Euan Davidson

October 12, 2021

Rumoured summer Celtic target Patrick Berg is talking his way out of Bodo/Glimt, admitting he needs to play at a higher level.

Berg, who’s currently with the Norway squad, played 90 minutes against Montenegro in their 2-0 win [Transfermarkt]. And, speaking to Norwegian outlet Dagsavisen, the international has suggested he needs to step up a level in terms of his club football.

A dynamic defensive midfielder, Berg was part of the successful Bodo/Glimt side that won the 2020 Norwegian title. Along with some of his former teammates, like Zinckernagel, Junker and Hauge, Berg could be on the move.

VG linked Berg to a Scottish club, most likely Celtic, in the summer. Now, he’s told Dagsavisen:

“We are facing an important autumn with the national team and group games in Europe. It may open some new doors for me. 

“It is necessary for my career that I must continue my own development. And I do that best by getting to as high a level as possible.”

His is a name that Celtic fans have been watching with interest. Even a cursory glance on Twitter will show the enthusiasm Bhoys supporters have for the midfielder.

However, Celtic have missed out on rumoured targets from Bodo/Glimt before. Most notably, Zinckernagel had been strongly linked with a move to Glasgow [Daily Record] before choosing Watford.

Junker, meanwhile, made a surprise move to Japan.

Patrick Berg would be a fantastic signing for Celtic

We talked before about needing energy and impetus in the midfield. Patrick Berg would provide exactly that for Celtic.

A mobile, classy midfielder, Berg would have little trouble adapting to the Scottish game. Weather won’t be an issue; Bodo/Glimt are from the Arctic Circle [FotMob], and Scandinavian players haven’t typically had problems getting to grips with life at Celtic.

A star man for Norway, there’s undoubtedly going to be interest. Especially after his star turn against Montenegro [FotMob], in which former Celt Mohamed Elyounoussi scored twice.

A calming influence in the middle of the park, Berg garnered a ridiculous 74 touches. He was typically accurate with his passing in either half.

He’d have no trouble finding very decent references, either. The aforementioned Elyounoussi and teammate Kristoffer Ajer would surely be able to extol the virtues of Paradise to him.

It’s easy saying Celtic should do this, and Celtic should do that. But Patrick Berg, at just 23, really ought to be top of the list for the club in January.

Oh – and his contract runs out in a year’s time.

Read more: Celtic can’t afford another Giakoumakis-like situation as Chris Jullien nears return