Celtic Scout This Highly-rated Swedish Centre-half: Should They Snap Him Up This Summer? | OneFootball

In one of his recent transfer updates on Patreon, Alan Nixon has shared an exclusive report on Victor Eriksson, who has emerged as a Celtic target (as cited by The Scottish Sun). Brendan Rodgers sent his top scout, Paul Tisdale, to monitor the young centre-back in Hammarby’s Thursday night UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Charleroi. Coincidentally, his 119th-minute winner helped the Swedish side progress to the next round, eliminating the Belgian outfit.

The 24-year-old Sweden international progressed through the academy ranks of his boyhood club Värnamo Södra. He also represented them in the fifth tier of Swedish football before joining IFK Värnamo in 2018. He contributed to successive promotions, thus earning a top-flight status for the first time in their history. After featuring in all the league games in Värnamo’s maiden Allsvenskan season, Eriksson left for the MLS to join Minnesota United in January 2024.

COMO, ITALY – JULY 26: Celtic FC coach Brendan Rodgers celebrates the victory at the end of the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025, in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

However, the youngster returned to his homeland six months later and joined Hammarby on a four-and-a-half-year contract. The Stockholm side finished as runners-up last season behind Malmö and are going strong this term, as league leaders Mjällby only have a four-point cushion at the top of the standings midway through the 2025 campaign.

Although it has been reported that Eriksson is available for £2m, Hammarby boss Kim Hellberg is determined to keep hold of him, particularly after his heroics in Belgium. He would not only be key to their title push, but also in the hunt for a place in the Conference League main draw via the qualifiers and playoffs.

Why Celtic Must Decide Whether To Bring Him In

Celtic roped in a few names early in the window, but have yet to bolster all areas, including the defensive third. Both Kieran Tierney and Hayato Inamura have primarily been snapped up for the left-back spot. But they are now closing in on Manchester City teenager Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a season-long loan.

While the England youth international is expected to slot in as the fourth-choice centre-half behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty, the Hoops must not miss the opportunity before Eriksson’s valuation increases in a few months. They have already parted ways with Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke. Also, Stephen Welsh, who spent the last six months in Belgium with KV Mechelen, could be loaned out again amid interest from Plymouth Argyle.

Eriksson, known for his strong physical and aerial presence, would hope for regular minutes at his new club. Rodgers must find a way to incorporate him in his first-team plans, in case the Celts splash the cash to secure his services before the window is slammed shut.