Celtic in £3m Chase for Swedish Striker Jansson – But Rangers Lurk in Surprise Twist
Celtic have reportedly tabled a £3 million bid for highly-rated Swedish striker Erik Jansson, but the Hoops could face a shock twist as bitter rivals Rangers are said to be weighing up a late move for the 23-year-old frontman.
Jansson, who plays for IFK Göteborg, has enjoyed a breakout season in the Allsvenskan, scoring 14 goals and providing 6 assists in just 21 appearances.
His pace, strength, and natural finishing ability have attracted interest from across Europe, but it is Celtic who were first to formalise their interest with a structured offer earlier this week.
According to sources close to the deal, Celtic are confident of landing the striker, seeing him as a long-term replacement for the ageing Kyogo Furuhashi and the injury-prone Oh Hyeon-gyu. Jansson’s profile fits Celtic’s model of acquiring young, high-upside talent who can grow in value both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
Manager Brendan Rodgers is said to be “hugely impressed” by Jansson’s recent development, describing him privately as “a dynamic centre-forward with a high ceiling.” Talks between Celtic and IFK Göteborg are believed to be progressing, with personal terms already tentatively agreed.
However, in a dramatic development, Rangers FC have reportedly entered the race and are exploring the possibility of hijacking the deal.
Insiders at Ibrox claim manager Philippe Clement is also an admirer of Jansson’s talents and sees him as the ideal striker to lead Rangers’ forward line in a new-look attack next season.
While Rangers have yet to submit a formal bid, the club has made contact with Jansson’s representatives and could move swiftly to rival Celtic’s offer. With fresh financial backing following their recent commercial expansion and sales of fringe players, Rangers are said to be “well-positioned” to match Celtic’s £3m fee—and possibly offer better terms.
The player himself has remained tight-lipped, but when asked about links to both Glasgow clubs during a post-match interview in Sweden, he smiled and said: “I know both clubs are massive, with incredible fans. If the opportunity comes, I want to make the right choice—not just for my career, but for my future development.”
This potential tug-of-war between Scotland’s two giants has already captivated fans and pundits alike, with social media buzzing over the idea of a rare head-to-head transfer battle.
For now, the decision lies with Jansson and IFK Göteborg. With both Celtic and Rangers poised to strike, the coming days could determine whether he’ll wear green and white or blue next season.
One thing is certain: this Old Firm rivalry just found another battlefield—off the pitch.