Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren has confirmed that there was significant transfer interest in him during the recent summer window. Despite potential suitors, the 25-year-old Swede chose to remain at Parkhead, citing his enjoyment at the club and a strong desire to win more trophies and progress in European competition.
Nygren, who is under contract with Celtic until 2030, addressed the speculation during a press conference on Friday. Speaking about the interest following his breakout first season in Glasgow, he stated, “Yeah, there was interest.” When asked if the interest progressed beyond initial enquiries, Nygren emphasised his commitment to his current club: “No, I play for a big club. When the right time is, I cannot answer that. That’s up to me and the club and the potential club. So, whenever the right time is, it is.”
Nygren’s Reasons for Staying
The midfielder, who joined Celtic from FC Nordsjaelland in July 2025 for £1.7 million, expressed his contentment with his current situation. “Like I said, I play for a huge club like Celtic. I really enjoy being here,” Nygren explained, as reported by The Scotsman. His ambitions for the club include improving upon last season’s European performance: “I wanted to stay here to play in the biggest competition. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the Champions League, but we still play in the Europa League. I want to make it better here and then go further in the Europa League than what we did last season.”
Nygren also made it clear that the transfer window did not distract him from his responsibilities. He maintained his focus by concentrating on training and playing as well as possible, noting that players learn not to dwell on such speculation. His primary goal remains to “do it as well as possible here and to win more trophies here.”
A Season of Success and Future Ambitions
Last season, Nygren had a stellar campaign, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions. His impressive performances earned him Celtic’s in-house Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and Top Scorer awards for the 2025/26 season. He also represented Sweden at the 2026 World Cup, appearing four times before his country’s elimination in the Round of 32, according to The Celtic Way.
Nygren has carried his strong form into the new season, contributing 11 goals in his first nine appearances, which has been central to Celtic’s perfect domestic record so far. While acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League, he views it as an opportunity to learn and grow, focusing on winning every game.
Focus on the Old Firm Derby
This Sunday, Nygren is set to feature in the first Old Firm derby of the season against Rangers at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. Rangers are one of only two Premiership sides Nygren has not yet scored against in his Celtic career, though he did record two assists in derbies last season. On the prospect of breaking his scoring duck, Nygren commented, “It would be very nice, but I’m a player who’s not only scoring. I want to create a lot of chances and be a threat offensively.” He added that if he can provide assists and the team wins, he will be happy.
Despite Celtic fans not being present at Ibrox for the match, Nygren believes the team can use the high energy of the hostile crowd to their advantage. He also spoke positively about new club record signing Kasper Hogh, praising his fellow Scandinavian as a “great guy” and a “big threat” who lifts the team’s quality.
FAQ
- Q: Did Benjamin Nygren receive transfer interest this summer?
A: Yes, Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren confirmed that there was transfer interest in him during the summer window, following his breakout first season in Glasgow.
- Q: Why did Benjamin Nygren choose to stay at Celtic?
A: Nygren stated he enjoys playing for Celtic, a “huge club,” and wanted to stay to win more trophies and progress further in the Europa League, which he views as a priority after missing out on the Champions League.
- Q: What is Nygren’s recent form like for Celtic?
A: Benjamin Nygren has continued his strong form into the current season, registering 11 goal contributions in his first nine appearances, contributing to Celtic’s perfect domestic record.
- Q: Has Benjamin Nygren scored against Rangers?
A: Rangers are one of only two Scottish Premiership sides against whom Nygren has not yet scored in his Celtic career, although he did provide two assists in Old Firm derbies last season.
