Celtic Close In On Club Record Transfer For Kasper Hogh

Celtic Close In On Club Record Transfer For Kasper Hogh Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Celtic are closing in on the signing of Kasper Høgh as the Scottish champions move quickly to replace the goals, energy and presence lost following Daizen Maeda’s departure to Ipswich Town. The Hoops have agreed a deal worth more than £11 million with Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt for the 25-year-old striker, with O’Neill revealing that the Danish forward is expected to undergo a medical within the next 24 hours. Speaking after Celtic’s 2-2 draw with AC Milan, O’Neill admitted negotiations were at an advanced stage but stopped short of declaring the transfer complete. “I’m hoping that that will happen,” he said. “I think there’s a good chance of it. But until someone’s actually signed and sealed, there might be things still up in the air. But it’s certainly progressing. “He will have one [a medical] in the next 24 hours. Without going too deeply into it, that’s the calibre of player that we’d be looking for who has scored goals in the Champions League.” Høgh enjoyed an impressive campaign with Bodø/Glimt, scoring six goals in last season’s Champions League, and O’Neill believes recruiting players capable of producing on Europe’s biggest stage is essential as Celtic prepare for another demanding domestic and continental campaign. “It’s quality that we’ll probably be looking for,” he continued. “And quality at the affordable prices is a real premium. But we are searching. “We still think that we need some extra players in. But if he arrives, I think that’s great for us to begin with. And I’m hoping that we might get one or two more, if that’s the case. “But there’s a good fight on now for places in the team. And we’ll just take it from there.” Høgh’s expected arrival comes less than 24 hours after Maeda completed a £10 million move to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, bringing an end to a hugely successful spell in Glasgow. While Celtic have moved decisively in the transfer market, O’Neill made no attempt to hide the admiration he has for the Japan international, insisting both the club and supporters will feel his absence. “Naturally, I will miss him,” O’Neill said. “He was in the last year of his contract. “The club, before I came here, made him a really big offer to stay at least 16 months ago. And the lad refused to do it in the sense that he wanted to play in the Premier League if he could, or the Bundesliga if that’s the case.” Rather than expressing disappointment at losing one of Celtic’s most influential players, O’Neill was keen to celebrate Maeda’s achievement in securing the move he had long targeted. “So I will obviously miss him, but I’m delighted for him at the same time, genuinely delighted for him. He deserves the move. “I think I said this last year, whether I was going to be here or not, he deserves the move because he’s been fantastic for the club. “And we will definitely miss him. We will just miss his presence around the place. And I think Ipswich will be getting somebody that I think they will grow to really like. “He’s 28, 29 years of age. I’m not so sure that the money has been his driving force, but he will do really well. And that’s good news. He deserves it. Every single penny of it.” Replacing a player of Maeda’s influence will not be straightforward, but Celtic believe Høgh has the profile to help fill that void. His proven ability to score in European competition, combined with his age and potential for further development, made him a priority target as O’Neill looks to refresh his attacking options. With a medical now imminent, Celtic appear to have acted swiftly to ensure that one chapter closes and another begins, as Høgh prepares to inherit the challenge of leading the line following the departure of one of Celtic’s key players of recent times.