Celtic fans have been buzzing with anticipation as the club made headlines this week by agreeing a record-breaking £11 million deal, plus add-ons, to sign Danish striker Kasper Hogh from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. The move, which has been in the works for weeks, marks a significant statement of intent by the Scottish Premiership champions as they look to bolster their attack ahead of the new season.
Hogh, 25, is set to undergo a medical in Glasgow within days of July 25, 2026, after flying into the UK on Saturday evening. According to multiple sources, the deal will see Hogh sign a long-term contract with Celtic, believed to be four years with an option for a fifth. The transfer eclipses the previous club record set by Arne Engels in 2024, cementing Hogh as one of the most expensive signings in Scottish football history—second only to Rangers’ £12 million swoop for Tore Andre Flo back in 2000.
It’s not just the hefty price tag that has supporters talking. Hogh arrives with an impressive record: 54 goals in just over 100 appearances for Bodo/Glimt, including a standout 17 strikes in 28 Eliteserien matches last season. His Champions League pedigree is equally enticing, having netted six times in 14 appearances during the club’s historic run, including a memorable brace against Manchester City. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill didn’t hide his excitement, stating after the 2-2 draw with AC Milan, “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.”
O’Neill went on to highlight the importance of the signing, especially given Celtic’s struggles up front last season. “For most of the time that I was here last season, we struggled to score goals. Maeda came up brilliantly for us in the last six or seven weeks of the season, but we didn’t have that recognised striker. So that would be a big plus for us if we can do that.”
The timing of Hogh’s arrival is no coincidence. His transfer comes hot on the heels of Daizen Maeda’s departure to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town. Maeda, a fan favorite since his arrival under Ange Postecoglou in 2022, completed a £10 million move to England, signing a three-year deal. His exit, after four and a half years, left a void in Celtic’s attack and in the hearts of many supporters. Maeda’s record speaks for itself: 79 goals, five Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups, not to mention a late-season scoring spree that helped the Hoops secure a league and cup double.
Maeda’s farewell was heartfelt. In an emotional message to the Celtic faithful, he wrote, “The last four and a half years at Celtic have been the most special chapter of my career and my life. It has been an incredible honour to wear this badge, to play for this amazing club, and to share so many unforgettable moments with my teammates, the staff, and the best supporters in the world. Thank you for standing by me through every high and low. Your incredible support gave me strength every single day, and I will always be grateful.”
O’Neill, reflecting on Maeda’s departure, said, “Naturally, I will miss him. He was in his last year of his contract. Before I came here, the club made him a real big offer, in our terms, 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. So I will obviously miss him, but I’m delighted for him at the same time, genuinely delighted for him. He deserves the move because he’s been fantastic for the club. We will miss his presence around about the place and Ipswich will be getting somebody that they will grow to really like.”
With funds from Maeda’s transfer helping to finance the Hogh deal, Celtic’s swift action in the market has been praised by pundits and fans alike. The club’s ambition is clear, especially with the new season looming and the much-anticipated Flag Day fixture against Dundee set for August 3, 2026. Hogh is expected to be match fit, having last played for Bodo/Glimt on July 17, and could make his debut in that opening game—a tantalizing prospect for supporters eager to see their new star in action.
The scale of Hogh’s transfer has sent ripples through the Scottish Premiership. His £11 million fee, potentially rising with add-ons, not only sets a new benchmark for Celtic but also underlines the growing financial muscle and ambition within Scottish football. Hogh’s arrival is expected to boost morale in the dressing room, especially after reports of unrest following a quiet start to the transfer window.
But the summer business might not stop here. Reports suggest Celtic are eyeing up to four new signings before the season begins, including interest in Egypt World Cup star Haissem Hassan and ongoing talks for Paderborn’s Mika Baur. The club’s recruitment drive signals a determination to maintain their domestic dominance and make an impact in Europe.
Hogh’s journey to Celtic Park has been closely watched since January, when his Champions League heroics caught the eye of scouts. The Danish international’s ability to perform on the big stage is exactly what O’Neill and the Celtic hierarchy have been seeking. As one source put it, “Celtic look to finally have their man after tracking Hogh for several months following his standout form for the Norwegian club.”
Fans will be hoping Hogh can replicate the success of previous marquee signings. While he shares the distinction of being the club’s most expensive signing with Arne Engels, the expectation is that Hogh’s goalscoring prowess and European experience will give Celtic the edge as they chase further glory at home and abroad.
As the dust settles on a dramatic week of transfer activity, Celtic supporters can look forward to the new campaign with renewed optimism. The club’s record-breaking swoop for Kasper Hogh, combined with the emotional farewell to Daizen Maeda, marks the start of a new chapter at Parkhead—one that promises excitement, ambition, and, if all goes to plan, plenty of goals.