Kasper Høgh chase heats up as Celtic move ahead of Leeds in striker race
kasper høgh is emerging as a prime summer target for Celtic as the club looks to edge ahead of Leeds United in the race for the Bodo/Glimt striker. As of 2: 30 p. m. ET, the picture being outlined is that Celtic have a stronger path to a deal than Leeds, with Champions League football a central factor. The 25-year-old’s Champions League run has rapidly elevated his profile and complicated any bargain move.
Why kasper høgh is suddenly a harder deal for everyone
The forward’s reputation has been transformed by his Champions League output this season: six goals and three assists in 13 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition. His goals have come against Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Sporting, including a brace against Manchester City in the group stage.
Bodo/Glimt’s European momentum has also added weight to his market appeal. The club became the first Norwegian side to progress in the knockout stages of the Champions League when they beat Inter over two legs. They then beat their Portuguese last-16 opposition 3-0 on Wednesday, with Hogh scoring the third goal, leaving them massive favourites to reach the quarter-finals.
Celtic’s edge over Leeds: Champions League pull and a summer rebuild
The central tension in this chase is Champions League access. Bodo/Glimt are keen to keep hold of the striker, and the player is described as hopeful of continuing to play Champions League football, whether at his current club or somewhere else. That framing makes Leeds’ pursuit difficult, while Celtic still have their hopes of Champions League football alive for next term.
Celtic’s summer plans are described as a significant rebuild alongside the appointment of a new manager, and a deal for Hogh is not being ruled out. Reinforcements up front are a key priority, and internal movement may shape how aggressively Celtic can act in the market. Celtic are also described as ready to sell Johnny Kenny in the summer; the 22-year-old is currently on loan at Bolton Wanderers until the end of the season and is expected to be moved on as part of an overhaul of options.
January clues: Celtic interest, Norwich competition, and loans that followed
Celtic and Norwich City both tried to make a move for Hogh during the January window. Celtic made a late enquiry for the forward at the end of January but ultimately looked elsewhere, signing Junior Adamu and Tomas Cvancara on initial loan deals to strengthen the attack.
So far, those two additions have combined for two goals across 15 appearances in all competitions. Cvancara did have a notable moment by scoring the winning penalty in a shootout against Rangers last week, but the broader production has kept the focus on whether Celtic will return to their earlier interest in the Bodo/Glimt striker when the next window opens.
Direct reactions: Bodo/Glimt and Celtic voices shape the picture
Frode Thomassen, Managing Director of Bodo/Glimt, addressed the player’s future in January amid interest from Celtic, making clear the club’s stance is not driven by necessity.
“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, ” Thomassen said on 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. ”
On the pitch, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has publicly highlighted performances in the current squad during a key stretch of the season, calling winger Hyun-Jun Yang “absolutely outstanding” after Celtic’s 3-1 win over Motherwell at Celtic Park on Saturday.
What’s next as kasper høgh’s price rises into summer
The asking price picture has shifted sharply. In January, Bodo/Glimt’s valuation was described as steep, reportedly in the region of £6-10 million. Since then, the striker’s continued Champions League scoring has led to the expectation that his price has likely doubled, if not tripled, ahead of the summer.
The next developments will hinge on two tracks: Celtic’s pursuit of Champions League football for next term, and whether any club is willing to meet Bodo/Glimt’s demands for kasper høgh after a season that has pushed him into a higher bracket of potential destinations.
