Celtic-linked Ola Solbakken would cost as little as €2m [£1.6m] to sign from Bodo/Glimt this summer, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Scottish Daily Mail claimed this morning that Celtic would rekindle their previous interest in the player if they couldn’t secure a deal for Jota at the end of the season [print edition, 27/04, back page].
Solbakken will be free to speak to clubs in July with his Bodo/Glimt contract expiring at the end of 2022. This means that the Norwegian champions will have to accept a cut-price deal for their top talent’s services.
There hasn’t been much in the way of transfer speculation surrounding him so far. However, Jose Mourinho’s Roma were said to be taking a look at him earlier this year. Gazzetta dello Sport reported the interest, and stated that Bodo would accept as little as £1.6m for him this summer.
The player was also linked with a move to Galatasaray back in January [Fotomac]. Nothing would come of it and he would go on to impress against Celtic in the Europa Conference League, bagging a goal and an assist.
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Meanwhile, the option-to-buy clause in Jota’s contract is said to be just over £6m [Sky Sports].
Ange targeting early summer deals as the Celtic support prepares to party
Celtic won’t ever have a better opportunity to move for Solbakken
It’s interesting that the report in the Daily Mail stated that this would only happen if a move fell through for Jota. After all, Solbakken is primarily a right-winger whilst Jota plays on the other flank. Whilst both can switch if necessary, it’s surprising to see that this could be dependent on the other.
Meanwhile, the Athletic has reported that Celtic want a right-winger in regardless of whether Jota stays or goes. If Solbakken can therefore be signed for such a bargain fee, it really is worth looking into regardless.
We’ll never have a better chance to convince him to sign either. Given we’re the only team linked with a move who look likely to be playing UCL football next season, we’re a much more attractive proposition than we would’ve been last summer.
In terms of Celtic’s evolution as a team, this is the kind of move we should be courting. A player who can take Celtic to the next level. Genuine competition for Liel Abada and at only 23 years of age too.
If we miss the chance to make a move for him this summer, he’s gone. Wherever he ends up, chances are he’ll flourish. With 8 goals and 5 assists in 19 games so far this season – he’s clearly a player in form too [Transfermarkt].
Whether we sign Jota or not, it feels far too attractive an opportunity to pass up. If he says no then he says no. But should we really forego asking the question?
In other news, Report: The 3 areas Celtic want to strengthen this summer; specific traits scouted for