Victor Gyökeres congratulated Alexander Isak on his Liverpool transfer (Credits: Imago Images)
Benjamin Nygren is being tipped to remain at Celtic after a breakout debut season that saw him score 21 goals across all competitions for the Glasgow club.
Sweden icon Thomas Brolin has backed the 24-year-old to stay at Parkhead and continue his impressive development curve rather than seek a move elsewhere this summer.
Nygren recently starred in Sweden’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Tunisia, leading the attack alongside a strike force valued at a combined £190 million.
His international teammates in that match included Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, underlining the level at which Nygren is now operating on the world stage.
His goals proved instrumental in Celtic’s dramatic Premiership title win over Hearts, a campaign that was then capped by lifting the Scottish Cup.
Despite expected transfer interest following such a productive season, Brolin believes there is a compelling case for Nygren to remain at Celtic under manager Martin O’Neill next season.
Speaking to Hajper, Brolin said: “What is best for Benjamin Nygren? I have no idea. He has had a fantastic development curve at Celtic and it is probably fantastic to stay there and continue that development curve until the next step when he is ready.”
Brolin continued: “Whether that is this year or next year or whatever, I actually don’t know. But, his curve has been very positive, so then it can be good to stay in the same place for a while longer too.”
The former Leeds United star also opened up about his own personal connection to Celtic, admitting he harbours regret that a move to the club never came to fruition during his playing career.
Brolin cited the glittering success of close friend Henrik Larsson in Glasgow’s east end as the source of his lasting Parkhead regret.
He added: “Henrik Larsson thrived very well at Celtic anyway. So I probably would have thrived at Celtic too since I know Henrik very well and he thrived very well at Celtic.”
Brolin went further, saying: “So if I were to choose like this in hindsight, which is very strange, then Celtic sounds like a good club.”
The comments from such a respected Swedish football figure are likely to carry weight as Celtic look to retain one of their most important players heading into the new season.
About the Author
