Celtic Keeping Close Tabs On This Young Defender: Why Rodgers Must Make The Call | OneFootball

If a recent report from Sky Sports (as cited by BBC’s Transfer Gossip) is believed to be true, Celtic have held talks with Tobias Slotsager ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the race as a host of other clubs are also keeping close eyes on the Odense BK centre-back whose contract runs until the closure of the current campaign.

The 19-year-old Denmark U21 international progressed through the academy ranks of Morud IF and OB before making his professional debut for the latter at the age of 16. He eventually grabbed a regular role from 2023 onwards and has so far appeared 59 times in all competitions [stats vis Transfermarket].

Slotsager was the only shining light in Odense’s dismal 2023-24 season. Although he was impressive in the heart of the backline, de Stribede failed miserably in the relegation round thus suffering relegation to the Danish 1st Division. While they are marching towards an immediate top-flight return, the Dane perhaps has set his sights on a fresh start elsewhere. OB have been in talks for more than a year over a new deal, but the reluctance of the teenage ace has alerted his suitors including the Glasgow giants.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig attempts to head the ball under pressure from Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Slotsager is eligible to pen a pre-contract agreement ahead of a Bosman move in the summer window. Celtic might have to pay a minuscule compensation fee for the youngster, but his arrival would bolster them in deep defence for many years.

Why Celtic Must Secure His Services

Brendan Rodgers roped in Auston Trusty last summer and the USMNT international has now cemented a starting status alongside his compatriot Cameron Carter-Vickers. Liam Scales is there to challenge and cover the first-team pair, however, the club expects Maik Nawrocki to part ways sooner rather than later after falling down the pecking order. Despite being one of Celtic’s most highly-rated academy graduates, Stephen Welsh could not live up to expectations for form and fitness reasons. He left for Mechelen on loan earlier this month and the 25-year-old might opt for a permanent egress in the coming days instead of continuing as a fourth-choice at Parkhead.

Meanwhile, a sporadic role under Rodgers should help Slotsager to settle in and attune to the aggression and physicality of Scottish football. He must not be rushed into immediate action, but the Cup games as well as occasional league appearances would lay the foundation of a sparkling career.