Gothenburg sporting director on Ben Nygren’s best position | OneFootball

It’s been a busy start to the opening day of the transfer window when it comes to Celtic being linked to a new signing, in the shape of 23-year-old Japanese defender Hayato Inamura, but also to the potential sale of Nicolas Kuhn, who has been linked with a transfer to RB Leipzig.

However, the mooted fee of £15m you would assume would have to be improved upon before Celtic consider selling one of our top performers in last season’s UEFA Champions League.

One player Celtic have been strongly linked with is 23 years old Swedish international Benjamin Nygren, who the Hoops have emerged as favourites to sign over the course of the last few days.

Initially it looked as if Nygren would come into the club as a right winger, and the emerging news of Nicolas Kuhn’s potential return to German football would appear to add weight to that viewpoint. However, according to IFK Gothenburg sporting director Mats Gren (via Scottish Sun), Nygren is a versatile player and indicates his best position may be as a central attacking midfielder:

Benjamin Nygren of Sweden in reaction during the friendly match between Hungary and Sweden at Puskas Arena on June 6, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

“When Benjamin plays on the right wing or as a No9, he can be effective. However, he is best as a No10. That is where all his qualities can be on show. Benjamin is an intelligent attacker.

“His left foot is fantastic and he can score goals and assist. His final ball is always very good and he can finish when he gets a chance. He has the lot! He is not slow but he’s maybe not super fast, and that’s the only thing you can say that he lacks. However, he is quick enough to get away from opponents and has very good vision and passing,” IFK Gothenburg sporting director Mats Gren stated.

Benjamin Nygren and Alexander Bernhardsson of Sweden during the International Friendly, Länderspiel, Nationalmannschaft football match between Hungary and Sweden on June 6, 2025 in Budapest. Photo: Joel Marklund

At the moment Celtic don’t play with an out and out number 10, preferring instead to play Reo Hatate and Arne Engels as two number 8’s behind a centre-forward.

However, Celtic have also been linked with defensive midfielders this season, which could indicate, in some games at least, that Brendan Rodgers may look to operate a double pivot in defensive midfield, opening up the option of utilising a midfielder as a solo option behind a striker.

In truth versatility within the squad will be key for Brendan Rodgers, as he very much prefers to operate with a small squad to ensure everyone gets game-time and everyone is content their contribution is important to the team over the course of a season.

Emil Holm, Anthony Elanga and Benjamin Nygren of Sweden celebrate the 0-1 goal during the International Friendly, Länderspiel, Nationalmannschaft football match between Hungary and Sweden on June 6, 2025 in Budapest. Photo: Joel Marklund

What is perhaps most interesting about Mats Gern’s comments is the view Nygren can also play as a No 9 or as a second striker, which would really cause opposition defences to be kept on their toes with fluidity positionally within the Celtic team already apparent with Daizen Maeda able to operate on the left wing and very effectively as a central striker.

Having a similar option on the right side of attack is an exciting development.

Kieran Tierney, Photo Celtic FC

With Keiran Tierney returning to Celtic this season, and Greg Taylor likely to move on, the ability for Celtic’s left back to invert may well be lost. As such having an extra defensively minded midfielder alongside Callum McGregor may come into play.

If Nygren was utilised in a central role it would certainly make a lot of sense and be an intriguing addition to the Celtic squad.

Niall J

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