Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 12 March 2026 10:00, UK

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Celtic reportedly made a late enquiry for Bodo/Glimt forward Kasper Hogh at the end of January but ultimately looked elsewhere.

The Hoops ended up signing both Junior Adamu and Tomas Cvancara on initial loan deals instead, as they looked to strengthen Martin O’Neill’s attack.

Both players have combined for just two goals across 15 appearances in all competitions so far, although the latter enjoyed a good moment when he scored the winning penalty in a shootout against Rangers last week.

O’Neill’s side are through to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, and sit five points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Celtic’s transfer strategy has been heavily criticised in recent years, and the decision to pass up on Hogh may be another stick to beat decision-makers with.

Kasper Hogh continues to stun Europe

It emerged towards the end of the winter transfer window that Celtic had put in an enquiry for Hogh.

The 25-year-old stole headlines by scoring a brace against Manchester City in the group stage of the Champions League, and was also attracting strong interest from Norwich City.

Hogh enjoyed a superb year in Eliteserien for Bodo/Glimt, scoring 17 league goals and providing five assists.

The Norwegian side’s asking price was steep – reportedly in the region of £6-10million – but likely not out of reach for Celtic, considering the £11m spent on Arne Engels in 2024.

Yet a bid never materialised, and the striker has gone on to see that price likely doubled, if not tripled, ahead of the summer.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Celtic will be priced out for Hogh, with the 25-year-old netting against Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and now Sporting CP in recent weeks.

Bodo/Glimt became the first Norwegian side to progress in the knockout stages of the Champions League when they beat Inter over two legs, and they look to be set for more history after beating their Portuguese last-16 opposition 3-0 on Wednesday.

Hogh poked in the third goal, with the dark horses now massive favourites to set up a quarter-final against Arsenal or Bayer Leverkusen.

What Frode Thomassen said about Hogh will sting

Bodo/Glimt managing director, Frode Thomassen, spoke in January about Hogh’s future amid the interest of Celtic.

“We don’t have to sell anyone, but if the offer is good and the player would like to go, of course we will judge it and see,” he told the Market Madness podcast.

“I think Kasper enjoys playing in Bodo, but we will see. Our focus right now is on [Atletico] Madrid. We never comment on links.”

“Kasper was the top scorer in the Europa League when we made a semi-final last spring but he is a really good footballer and a really good striker,” he added. “But as a person he is quite special.

“A good team mate who carries good values and he is one of the players – when the culture is very important for the club you want the right people on the pitch and in the staff – it is essential, and Kasper is a leading star for that.”