Celtic Sign Swedish Forward Nygren for Under £2m
The prospect of signing another Swedish international forward naturally evokes memories of Celtic legend Henrik Larsson among the Parkhead faithful. The iconic striker, purchased from Feyenoord for a modest fee in 1997, enjoyed seven trophy-laden seasons in Glasgow before shining at Barcelona and Manchester United in his later career.
Benjamin Nygren: Celtic's New Swedish Hope
Benjamin Nygren arrives at Celtic Park with dreams of emulating Larsson's legacy, completing his transfer from Nordsjaelland for a reported fee under £2m. The 23-year-old forward, after three productive seasons in Denmark's Superliga, recently expressed his desire to compete at a higher level - making Celtic's Champions League ambitions particularly appealing.
Early Career and European Journey
Nygren's football journey began at IFK Goteborg, where he made his professional debut at just 16 despite interest from European giants like Bayern Munich and Manchester City. His early promise earned him a £4.2m move to Genk - a record sale for IFK - after just 15 appearances and 6 goals in Sweden's top division.
While his Belgian stint yielded just 7 appearances, loan spells in the Netherlands with Heerenveen showcased his potential, particularly during a 7-goal campaign in 32 appearances. His career found stability in Denmark with Nordsjaelland, where he developed into a consistent goalscorer and European performer.
Breakthrough in Denmark
Nygren's Danish adventure saw him:
- Score 35 goals in 107 appearances across three-and-a-half seasons
- Become Nordsjaelland's fourth-highest all-time scorer
- Deliver standout European performances including a hat-trick against Fenerbahce
- Progress from right winger to versatile attacking threat
How Nygren Fits Celtic's System
With Kyogo Furuhashi's departure and injuries affecting Celtic's wing options, Nygren arrives as a timely solution. His profile differs from traditional wingers like Nicolas Kuhn, offering:
- Greater goal threat (16 goals in 32 games last season)
- Versatility to play across the front line or as a #10
- Strong left-footed finishing from central areas
- Aerial presence at 6'1"
Comparisons with Rangers' loanee Vaclav Cerny are apt, as both favor cutting inside to shoot, but Nygren brings superior goal output. His recent form for Sweden - including goals against Northern Ireland and Hungary - suggests he's ready for the step up to Celtic's level.
What the Experts Say
IFK Goteborg's sporting director Mats Gren believes Nygren's best position is as a #10, citing his intelligent movement and finishing ability. Brendan Rodgers has already praised the Swede as an "exciting" addition who can thrill the Celtic Park crowd.
While comparisons to Larsson are premature, Nygren's combination of youth, European experience, and proven goalscoring make him an intriguing prospect for Celtic's upcoming campaign.
