Celtic Linked With This 25-Year-Old Defender: Could He Fix Their European Issues?

Celtic Linked With This 25-Year-Old Defender: Could He Fix Their European Issues? Celtic have little reason to overhaul their central defence in January, despite recent absences that have tested Martin O’Neill’s options during a demanding 2026/27 campaign. The Scottish champions must balance domestic expectations with the physical demands of European football, where small defensive errors can carry a high cost. Cameron Carter-Vickers remains an important figure at the back, while Auston Trusty offers another option in central defence. Liam Scales provides further cover, and young defender Dane Murray gives O’Neill an additional squad option. Their respective contracts reportedly run until 2029, 2029, 2030 and 2028, giving Celtic a settled group rather than an urgent need for wholesale change. However, injuries and other absences have exposed the limits of that depth. Celtic need dependable cover who can step into the side without forcing major tactical changes, particularly when the schedule leaves little time for recovery between domestic and European fixtures. Recruitment plans must account for another concern, and that is the midfield screen. Callum McGregor remains central to Celtic’s build-up, but the squad needs a specialist defensive midfielder who can protect the centre-backs, recover possession and stop opponents exploiting space during transitions. That position remains the more pressing concern. Against that backdrop, speculation has linked Viking FK defender Henrik Heggheim with a possible move to Glasgow. Yet Michael Shearer reported for Celts Are Here that the 25-year-old Norwegian does not rank among Celtic’s primary targets, despite reported interest from Burnley , Sheffield United and Stoke City. Heggheim’s domestic numbers explain the attention. The centre-back has scored six goals and provided three assists in 21 Eliteserien appearances during 2026, earning an average FotMob rating of 7.62. He can contribute in possession and offers an aerial threat, while his ability to cover right-back adds positional flexibility. Viking’s European campaign has provided a tougher test. The Norwegian side lost 3-1 to Aston Villa on October 21, and Heggheim’s own goal added to a difficult evening. One performance cannot determine his overall quality, but Celtic must assess whether his recovery pace suits a defence that often leaves space behind its high line. Would Heggheim solve Celtic’s European defensive problems? STAVANGER, NORWAY – SEPTEMBER 17: Henrik Heggheim of Viking Stavanger and Ryan Hedges of Aberdeen battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round match between Viking Stavanger and Aberdeen at Viking Stadion on September 17, 2020 in Stavanger, Norway. (Photo by Andrew Halseid-Budd/Getty Images) Celtic should resist signing Heggheim simply because his domestic statistics look attractive. O’Neill needs defenders who can defend large spaces, recover against quick forwards and remain composed when opponents press aggressively. A strong aerial record and nine goal contributions offer value, but neither guarantees those qualities. With a reported contract at Viking running until 2028, Celtic might have to negotiate a meaningful fee rather than secure a bargain. No reliable transfer valuation or weekly wage has emerged from the report. The smarter approach is to prioritise a specialist defensive midfielder and seek an affordable centre-back who suits Celtic’s defensive line. Spending heavily on a player who may struggle to displace Carter-Vickers or Trusty would leave the more urgent midfield problem unresolved. Celtic need recruitment that addresses the cause of their European vulnerability, not a headline signing built around impressive domestic numbers.