Celtic have confirmed the acquisition of Norwegian forward Kasper Hogh from Bodø/Glimt for a reported fee of £11 million plus performance‑related add‑ons, setting a new club record for a single signing. The 25‑year‑old, who has been Celtic’s top target for a centre‑forward all summer, has agreed to a four‑year contract with the Scottish side, which also includes an option to extend the deal by an additional year if the club chooses.
The interest in Hogh began early in the year when Celtic made an initial enquiry in January. However, Bodø/Glimt’s impressive run in the UEFA Champions League – which saw them reach the last‑16 and included a memorable victory over Atlético Madrid in which Hogh found the net – convinced the Norwegian club to keep the striker for the remainder of their European campaign. Over the course of his spell at Bodø/Glimt, Hogh amassed 53 goals in 102 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most prolific marksmen in the Norwegian Eliteserien. Now, with the summer transfer window in full swing, Hogh becomes Celtic’s second major signing ahead of the Premiership opener against Dundee, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
In his first media interview, the striker expressed his excitement about joining the Glasgow giants: "I’m thrilled. Walking into the dressing room and seeing the famous green and white jersey gave me a rush. The club’s history is massive, and after talking with my family and a few people close to the club, I felt this was the right move.
The feeling in my stomach told me this was a perfect fit." When asked what fans can expect from him on the pitch, Hogh said: "I love being in the box and finishing chances, but I also want to contribute defensively and work hard for the team. I’ve been training all summer and have already featured in league games back in Norway, so I feel ready to hit the ground running.
I just want to get started and help the team win trophies." Sky Sports analyst Anthony Joseph summed up the significance of the deal, noting that the £11 million-plus fee represents a statement of intent from Celtic. "It’s a record signing that should get the supporters buzzing. While football is unpredictable, on paper this looks like a genuine coup for the Hoops. There’s been surprise that Celtic managed to close the deal without interference from Premier League or other top‑five clubs, which speaks to the club’s negotiation skill and the player’s desire to join a club with a rich tradition." Manager Martin O'Neill has praised Hogh as the type of player Celtic need – a proven goal‑scorer who can also fit into the team’s pressing style.
The acquisition follows the earlier £6 million signing of Qarabağ forward Camilo Duran, who impressed with five goals in last season’s Champions League. Together, the two forwards suggest a shift in Celtic’s transfer strategy, focusing on high‑impact attackers ahead of a crucial European qualifier. Celtic’s transfer activity this summer marks a stark contrast to the previous season, when the club entered the Champions League play‑off without any significant signings and subsequently suffered a disappointing exit to Kairat Almaty.
The previous summer’s deadline day was described by fans as chaotic, with several high‑profile targets – Kasper Dolberg, David Datro Fofana and Manuel Benson – falling through, and a £3 million move for Hyunjun Yang to Birmingham City collapsing after a miscommunication at a Birmingham hotel. The lack of incoming talent after the sale of key players such as Nicolas Kühn, Adam Idah and even Kyogo Furuhashi in January sparked widespread fan protests, boycotts and the “Not Another Penny” campaign urging supporters to stop purchasing club merchandise. The unrest contributed to a public dispute between former manager Brendan Rodgers and major shareholder Dermot Desmond, ultimately leading to Rodgers’ resignation in October.
The turbulence continued when Celtic appointed and then dismissed Wilfried Nancy within a 33‑day span, and made no significant spending in the January window, relying only on loan deals and the free‑transfer signing of Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain. Despite securing a domestic double, the dissatisfaction among the fanbase persisted, flaring again after CEO Michael Nicholson’s remarks about dealing with “difficult” agents and the difficulty of competing with English Championship clubs for talent. With £17 million already invested in two high‑profile forwards, the pressure on the board to demonstrate progress is mounting. The transfer window still has over a month remaining, and the departure of Daizen Maeda for £10 million could open up further opportunities for Celtic to offload players such as Reo Hatate and Arne Engels.
Rumours suggest the club is also eyeing Egyptian World Cup winger Haissem Hassan to add pace and creativity on the flanks, while negotiations are reportedly underway for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, who could serve as a versatile replacement for both Hatate and Engels. Beyond the player market, Celtic face structural challenges: the club still needs to appoint a head of football operations, a head of recruitment, and a player pathways manager, and there is speculation about the future of the managerial position for the next season.
These issues indicate that the board’s work extends far beyond simply signing new talent. Whether the recent signings signal a genuine change in direction or merely a temporary fix remains to be seen.
Fans will be watching closely as Hogh and Duran integrate into the squad before the season kicks off. If they can deliver goals and performances that match their transfer fees, the atmosphere at Celtic Park could shift from one of skepticism to optimism, offering a fresh chapter for a club eager to re‑establish itself on both domestic and European stages.