Bristol City winger Niclas Eliasson has admitted that he was full of pride after hearing that Celtic wanted to sign him earlier this year, speaking to Fotboll Skanalen.
With Neil Lennon reintroducing a 4-2-3-1 formation which relies heavily on creativity from out wide, this speedy Sweden international looks very well suited to a dynamic and direct style of play which ripped Hamilton to shreds on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season.
Only Millwall’s Jed Wallace and West Brom’s Matheus Pereira produced more assists than Eliasson (12) during the 2019/20 Championship campaign.
And The Daily Record report that Celtic have taken notice of his performances at Ashton Gate, seven years after Eliasson enjoyed a brief trial period at the Glasgow giants.
“It is clear that it is flattering,” said the 24-year-old, who joined Bristol City in 2017 for a bargain £1.8 million (BBC). “When you were little, you always had a dream of playing in one of the three or four biggest leagues in Europe.
“I hope I can fulfill that dream one day.
“There are many rumors in these times. My agent takes care of that. I do not want to hear too much. It is easy for there to be a lot of talk and then there will be nothing anyway.
“It is better to stay focused on the plan.”
Clearly, Eliasson is not getting ahead of himself.
And, with Celtic opting to bring Moi Elyounoussi back for a second spell at Parkhead, it appears unlikely that the Hoops are going to sign another left-winger during an era of unprecedented financial uncertainty.
But, considering that Eliasson has just one year left on his Bristol City contract, arguably the best crosser of the ball in England’s second tier should not be short of alternative offers this summer.
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