Fabrizio Romano claims 20-goal Celtic star braced for in-demand summer transfer interest amid faint PL links
The Sweden international has enjoyed a scintillating maiden season in Scottish football
Celtic’s Player of the Year, Benjamin Nygren is expected to attract significant transfer interest when the summer window opens, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Swedish international has enjoyed a hugely successful maiden campaign in Glasgow’s east end, notching 20 goals and eight assists across all competitions for Martin O’Neill’s side.
Nygren picked up the award at the ceremony on Sunday evening, after helping the defending champions clinch a narrow 2-1 victory over Hibs at Easter Road earlier in the day.
The 24-year-old, who cost Celtic around £2m last summer, is likely to rake in a handsome future transfer fee should the Parkhead club decide to cash in on on the player as his stock continues to rise.
Nygren has already been faintly linked with a move to the English Premier League, with AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham mentioned as potential destinations, while La Liga outfit Valencia have also been credited with an interest in the attacking midfielder.
Now transfer guru Romano has had his say on Nygren’s future by confirming that a number of clubs have sounded out the creative playmaker ahead of the summer transfer window.
He tweeted: “Official: Benjamin Nygren wins Player of the Year Award after delivering 28 G/A for Celtic. Several clubs are already keen on the 24 year old for this summer window.”
Celtic are unlikely to entertain offers for Nygren with three years left to run on his current deal in addition to the option of extending his contract by a further 12 months. It would take a substantial bid to convince the club’s hierarchy to conduct business.
Nygren in shock PFA nomination omission
Nygren’s absence from this year’s PFA Scotland Men’s Player of the Year shortlist will have come as a surprise to many after producing some impressive numbers throughout the season.
Hearts duo Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga have been nominated along with Motherwell pair Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just. All four players have had notably good seasons, but Nygren’s numbers hold up well against the quartet.
Celtic have struggled to score goals on a regular basis this term and without Nygren’s contribution, they might not be involved in an engrossing Scottish Premiership title race. His role within O’Neill’s team has changed at times, dropping deeper or moving wide, but his output has remained consistent.