Celtic is set to sign a “super-talent” playmaker for £2.6m

Celtic is set to sign Valerenga playmaker Odin Thiago Holm for £2.6m, as the Scottish Premiership champions continue their tradition of unearthing untapped talent. The 20-year-old Norwegian will undergo a medical in London before completing his deal with Brendan Rodgers’ team.

Holm has been considered a “super talent” in Norway since he made his debut at age 16 and was named one of the Guardian’s top 60 young talents worldwide. Despite attracting interest from some major clubs, including Juventus, he chose to remain loyal to Valerenga.

Holm is not a pure No.10 like Celtic’s Tom Rogic but can operate as both an eight and six, according to Dagsavisen journalist Jørn Henriksen Skjærpe.

He said that while Holm had struggled with knee injuries last year, he dominated games during pre-season tournaments against Danish sides Brondby and Midtjylland in Algarve in 2022. However, his form this season has been mixed due to underperforming by his team and the recent sacking of coach Dag-Eilev Fagermo.

Rodgers prefers three players in midfield so there is potential for Holm to shine alongside Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley. Although he also has experience on the right side of midfield, it may be more likely that he would feature in a four-man midfield rather than the current preferred formation of 4-3-3.