Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 26 April 2026 14:12, UK

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Benjamin Nygren was exceptional as Celtic beat Falkirk 3-1 on Saturday, although Daizen Maeda undoubtedly stole the show.

The Japan international opened the scoring after closing down Keelan Adams and slotting past Nicky Hogarth, before he provided the assist for Kieran Tierney’s thunderous strike before the break.

Falkirk came back into the game through Kyrell Wilson, but Maeda was on hand again to slot home his second and his team’s third.

The win sent the Hoops level on points with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, although both the league leaders and Rangers have a game in hand to be played on Sunday.

Nygren’s Celtic form has been incredible since his arrival last summer, and although he went more under the radar on Saturday, he was just as superb as ever.

Benjamin Nygren’s superb stats vs Falkirk

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider this week that Nygren could move to Valencia this summer, amid apparent interest.

The Hoops will not be prepared to accept a cut-price figure, however. Nottingham Forest’s £25million bid was rejected in January, and the midfielder is under contract until at least 2029, with a reported option for an extra year.

Celtic signed Nygren from Nordsjaelland last summer in a deal reportedly worth around £1.7m – a bargain that has looked better by the game.

The 24-year-old has scored 20 goals across all competitions this season, although there have been concerns about his application when he is not scoring.

The Sweden international went some way to addressing those concerns on Saturday, however.

Nygren was superb as Celtic won, completing 84 per cent of his passes, going close with a free-kick and creating three chances.

The Swede was also impressive defensively, winning three tackles, two recoveries, winning all but two of his duels and earning three free-kicks.

Celtic face summer decision on Nygren

Should Celtic get another offer in the summer in the region of the £25m they rejected in January, decision-makers may have a different answer.

The 24-year-old is superb but replaceable for such a fee, which would allow for reinvestment elsewhere in the squad.

Celtic’s next manager will undoubtedly have their say before any decision is made, however. Several names are thought to be under consideration at Parkhead.

For now, the Bhoys will hope for more performances from Nygren like Saturday’s, with the Scottish Premiership title still in reach.