Celtic star claims transfer noise in summer was only 'interest' as European ambition set at Parkhead
Hoops star was linked with a move in the summer after the World Cup
Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren claims the transfer noise surrounding him in the summer was nothing more than ‘interest’ as he insists his full focus is on matters at Parkhead and performing ‘better’ in Europe.
The 25-year old attracted interest from Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Brighton in the summer window after a strong World Cup. As his native Sweden reached the knockout stages of the tournament, Nygren wasn’t part of Celtic’s pre-season preparations - only adding to the transfer speculation. Despite this, he ended up staying at the club and has picked up from where he left off last season.
Celtic’s output machine already has five goals and six assists in nine games this season. He has made no secret that one day he’d like to play at a higher level - but for now he’s happy where he is. He would however like to see his side improve in Europe after they were knocked out of the Champions League play-off by LASK Linz.
Nygren on summer transfer speculation
When asked about transfer speculation during the summer window, Nygren responded: “Yeah, there was interest. Was it more than that? No, I play for a big club. When the right time is to move on, I cannot answer that. That’s up to me, the club and the potential club. So whenever the right time is, it is. I play for a huge club like Celtic. I really enjoy being here.”
The player also outlined his European ambitions for the club as they prepare for a second season in the Europa League. He continued: “I wanted to stay here to play in the biggest competition. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the Champions League but we’ll still play in the Europa League I want to make it better here and then go further in the Europa League that we did last season.”
What did Nygren say regarding transfer noise in the summer?
During an interview with Swedish media shortly after the World Cup, Nygren’s ambivalent answer to a question regarding his future only increased the decibels of transfer noise. When asked by Goteborgs-Posten if he expected to remain a Celtic player, he replied: “We’ll see. I have my dreams and goals that I fight for every day and that I have done since I was young. I still have them, and that is to play at the highest possible level. But when that happens, I can’t answer right now.”
The player is under contract at Celtic until 2030, giving the Hoops a strong bargaining chip should further outside interest arise. He would however be a player the club would struggle to replace based on his numbers alone. So far, since signing from the club from Danish side Nordsjaelland in June 2025, he’s bagged 25 goals and recorded eight assists.
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