Full Breakdown
Celtic close in on club-record £11 million signing of Danish striker Kasper Hogh
7/26/2026, 1:39:03 PM
Core Event
Celtic are in advanced negotiations to sign Denmark international Kasper Hogh from Bodø/Glimt for a fee reported as £11 million plus add-ons, which would set a new club record. Manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that the striker is scheduled to undergo a medical within the next 24 hours.
Background & Context
The move follows the departure of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town in a deal worth up to £10 million. Maeda had been instrumental in Celtic’s recent domestic double, scoring nine goals in the final seven matches of the season. O’Neill has repeatedly noted that Celtic struggled to find consistent goal-scoring form during the previous campaign, creating a clear need for a proven centre-forward.
Data & Statistics
- Kasper Hogh, 25, has scored 53 goals in 102 appearances for Bodø/Glimt across all competitions.
- In the Norwegian Eliteserien he has 36 goals from 63 matches, and he has added 15 goals in European competition, including eight in the UEFA Champions League.
- He recorded six Champions League goals in the most recent season, with strikes against clubs such as Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
- The £11 million fee would surpass the £11 million paid for Arne Engels in 2022, making Hogh Celtic’s most expensive signing to date.
Official Statements & Responses
Martin O’Neill said the club is “hoping” the transfer will be completed and described Hogh as the calibre of player Celtic need, emphasizing his Champions League scoring record. He added that the deal remains subject to a signed contract and medical clearance. Regarding Maeda’s exit, O’Neill expressed personal disappointment but also genuine delight for the player’s move to the Premier League, acknowledging Maeda’s influence on the team’s recent success. Celtic’s official communications confirmed the agreement on the Hogh fee and the simultaneous confirmation of Maeda’s transfer.
Why It Matters
Securing Hogh directly addresses the shortage of a recognised striker that O’Neill linked to Celtic’s previous scoring difficulties. Adding a forward with proven European experience aligns with the club’s ambition to compete both domestically and in continental tournaments. The record fee reflects Celtic’s willingness to invest in quality players at affordable prices, a strategy the manager described as a “real premium” for the club.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most outlets report the fee as £11 million, while one source described the amount as “more than £11 million.” No official figure beyond the £11 million baseline has been confirmed, leaving the exact total, including add-ons, unclear. Details of the contract length and any performance-related clauses have not been disclosed.
What’s Next
Hogh is expected to complete his medical within the next 24 hours, after which a four-year contract with an optional fifth year is anticipated. Celtic will aim to integrate the striker ahead of the start of the Scottish Premiership season, with other new signing Camilo Duran already featuring in pre-season friendlies (signed on July 10).
