Celtic are in advanced talks to sign PSV Eindhoven youngster Joel Van den Berg, with a Hoops delegation believed to be in the Netherlands right now trying to get a deal over the line.
The 19-year-old has been pulled from PSV’s youth team lineup, which is a pretty clear signal that something is happening behind the scenes. When clubs start leaving players out of squads during transfer negotiations, it usually means a move is close.
Van den Berg has caught the eye of Celtic scouts, and the club are clearly serious about landing him given they’ve sent representatives all the way to Eindhoven to sit down and hammer out the details face to face.
PSV have a strong reputation for developing young talent, so pulling a player of Van den Berg’s profile from their setup is not something they would do lightly. The Dutch giants have produced some top-level footballers over the years, and the fact Celtic are targeting one of their brightest prospects shows the kind of ambition the Glasgow club are bringing to their recruitment this window.
At 19, Van den Berg fits the profile Celtic have been chasing in recent transfer windows. The club under their current setup have consistently looked to bring in hungry young players with room to grow, develop them at Celtic Park, and either push them into the first team picture or move them on at a profit further down the line.
Celtic Park would represent a big opportunity for a teenager looking to make his mark in senior football. The club compete regularly in European competition, play in front of massive crowds week in week out, and have a track record of giving young players meaningful game time when they are ready for it.
No fee has been confirmed publicly, and there is always a chance talks could still collapse. But the fact the Hoops have sent a delegation over rather than handling things remotely suggests they are serious about getting this one wrapped up.
Fans will be watching closely for any official announcement, with the transfer window providing plenty of activity at Celtic Park as the club look to strengthen the squad ahead of another tilt at the Scottish Premiership title and further European adventure.
If the deal goes through, Van den Berg would be joining a club with serious expectations. Celtic supporters demand a winning team, and new arrivals are expected to hit the ground running once they pull on the famous green and white hoops.