Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou could pull off an ‘exciting signing’ by bringing winger Ola Solbakken to the club, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Hoops have been credited with an interest in the Bodo/Glimt star in recent weeks after excelling throughout a memorable 2021/22 campaign for the Norwegian champions.
What is the latest news involving Solbakken?
Solbakken played a pivotal part in Bodo/Glimt winning the top-flight title for the first time in their history in 2019/20 before helping them defend their crown last season.
However, the 23-year-old has elevated his game to new heights during the current campaign, showcasing his potential on the European stage.
In 19 appearances across all competitions, Solbakken has registered eight goals and five assists, with all but three of those goal contributions coming in continental competitions.
The Norway international bagged a brace in a famous 6-1 victory over AS Roma in the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League and has been linked to Jose Mourinho’s charges on the back of that display.
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According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma have been tracking Solbakken since that thrashing back in October, and they claim he could be available for as little as €2 million (£1.6m).
But Celtic look set to rival the Serie A giants for the 6 foot 1 ace’s signature, with the Daily Mail (via the Daily Record) revealing he is on Postecoglou’s list of transfer targets.
What has O’Rourke said about Solbakken?
Celtic have all but secured the Scottish Premiership title, guaranteeing Champions League football will return to Glasgow next term.
And O’Rourke believes Postecoglou will be ‘looking to step up his recruitment plans as soon as possible’ ahead of what promises to be a memorable campaign.
He told GiveMeSport: “It's got the makings of an exciting signing for Celtic if they do manage to bring him to the club. And Ange Postecoglou will be looking to step up his recruitment plans as soon as possible with potentially Champions League football at Celtic Park next season.”
Do Celtic need another forward?
Celtic are the top scorers in Scottish football this season, and summer signings Kyogo Furuhashi, Georgios Giakoumakis and Liel Abada have all excelled.
Yet the future of another standout performer remains unclear, with Postecoglou’s charges yet to activate the £6m option to buy clause in the deal that brought Jota in on loan from Benfica.
It’s believed that Solbakken has been identified as a potential alternative to the Portuguese attacker, who refused to be drawn on his future in a recent interview.