Celtic step up transfer interest in rising PSV star as £3.4m deal eyed with talks advancing after huge setback

Celtic have reportedly stepped up their interest in highly-rated PSV midfielder Joël van den Berg, with the Scottish champions understood to be working towards a deal for the 19-year-old as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

Reports from the Netherlands suggest the Hoops are prepared to pay around €4 million (£3.4m) for the towering 6ft 2in youngster, while Van den Berg is reportedly keen on a move to Glasgow. Club representatives could be set to travel to Eindhoven as negotiations progress.

The potential move has emerged after Celtic missed out on another midfield target, Ermin Mahmic. The Bosnian midfielder was reportedly close to joining the Scottish champions before agreeing a move to Turkish club Corum FK, prompting Celtic to turn their attention towards Van den Berg.

An intriguing prospect, the Netherlands Under-19 international operates primarily in central midfield and has already gained valuable senior experience at PSV. He made five first-team appearances during the 2025/26 campaign while continuing to develop with Jong PSV.

His numbers at reserve level are particularly encouraging. Van den Berg scored seven goals and supplied four assists in 26 appearances last season, before beginning the current campaign with two goals in his first three Eerste Divisie matches.

Van den Berg fits Celtic’s recruitment model

His profile could explain Celtic's attraction. PSV regard him as a player with physicality, defensive ability, game intelligence and passing quality, while Van den Berg has described himself as a box-to-box midfielder who enjoys competing in duels and making an impact at both ends of the pitch.

For Celtic, though, the question is whether Van den Berg would be viewed as an immediate first-team solution or a longer-term investment. The club's midfield has come under scrutiny, in particular Luke McCowan, following the Champions League disappointment against LASK on Tuesday, while manager Martin O'Neill has acknowledged the need for more reinforcements.

That makes the reported fee particularly significant. At around £3.4m, Celtic would be taking a calculated gamble on a player with considerable development potential rather than paying a premium for an established star.

Van den Berg's age and PSV background make him an attractive fit for Celtic's recruitment model. The Dutch club has an excellent reputation for developing young players, and he has already taken steps towards senior football despite being only 19.

There is still plenty of work to do to finalise the transfer, but various reports indicate that Celtic's interest has moved beyond initial scouting. With talks apparently advancing and the player open to the move to Glasgow, Van den Berg could soon become one of Celtic's most eye-catching additions of the summer.

He may not be expected to solve every problem immediately but could fill the long-term void left by Arne Engels, following his £22m move to West Ham United earlier this month. If Celtic can secure his signature, they could be investing in a midfielder capable of becoming an important part of the team for years to come.

Van den Berg needs ‘stability and structure’

And Jong PSV head coach Stijn Schaars has suggested Van den Berg needs “stability and structure” going forward. Speaking to Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad, he said: “We are in charge with the aim of taking players to a higher level. In doing so, we also hold regular internal discussions about our plans. Do we want to keep the lads here, promote them to the PSV first team, loan them out, or sell them?

“Since last year, our talents have been increasingly in demand, so we have to make choices. We know that from the start of the season. It’s not ideal [to lose players] but it doesn’t come completely out of the blue. Everyone knows this is the week before the transfer deadline and that things can still change.

“There was so much going on regarding Joël that it was better to keep them out of the squad. Our other players handled the situation well. [Young] players need stability and structure even more than experienced pros do. When situations like this arise, they aren’t yet fully able to anticipate them. Still, I’m incredible proud of him. He set the standard for the group in terms of values, toughness, physical strength in duels, and sprinting ability. Now others have to step up. That will take some time.”

Asked to provide a transfer update following Saturday’s 2-1 Premiership win over Falkirk, Celtic boss O’Neill issued a coy response. “Transfers... Wondering when this was coming out. All right. Cheerio, lads, OK? We’re hopeful.”