Celtic talent Leo Hjelde has found himself a man in the news of late.
Last week, The Scottish Sun reported that Southampton are looking to sign Hjelde at the end of the season.
Then, John Hughes – Hjelde’s manager on loan at Ross County right now – back the defender to become he next Virgil van Dijk when speaking to our sister site Not The Old Firm.
Hughes also claims that Leeds United want to sign him, meaning there could be a real battle for Hjelde’s signature this summer.
Now, Hjelde’s father Jon Olav – formerly of Nottingham Forest – has spoken about his son’s future back in Norway.
Hjelde has told TV2 that the Van Dijk comparison is ‘flattering’, and should be a real motivation to the teenager to push on with his development.
When asked about Leeds’ interest, the 48-year-old added that several clubs have wanted Hjelde, and it’s no great surprise given that he is playing top-flight football at 17.
Finally, Hjelde noted that his son wants to impress Celtic’s next manager, seemingly focusing on the Bhoys rather than any move elsewhere.
“It is flattering just to be mentioned in the same sentence as him, but it must be motivating,” said Hjelde senior. “He wants to go far. Now he has to keep his feet on the ground and continue working.”
“There have been several clubs on the field over a longer period. I do not know how specific it was, but there is a bit of interest when you play in a top league at the age of 17.”
“It will be exciting with Celtic, we do not know who will come in as the new manager. He must be in good shape after the summer break and impress a new manager who has probably not seen him before. If he manages to play for Celtic when he is 17-18 years old, he is very strong,” he added.
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