Why Celtic should take a punt on left-back Casper Hojer

According to the Daily Record, Celtic have been linked with a move for former Danish U-19 left-back Casper Hojer, who currently plies his trade with Aarhus GF in his homeland. 

As per the report, the Hoops are keen to strengthen in that department following the departure of Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, with Charlton Athletic youngster Alfie Doughty mentioned as a top target. 

However, with the Addicks refusing to budge on their valuation of Doughty, Celtic are now exploring other avenues, and Hojer is the latest name to emerge on the club’s shortlist of potential targets. The 25-year-old, who has just over a year remaining on his current deal with Aarhus, is rated at around £1.5million by his current club.  (h/t Daily Record)

Profile

Casper Hojer started his career with Danish giants FC Copenhagen but he never made a first-team appearance for the club before joining domestic rivals Lyngby Boldklub in 2014. 

The Dane enjoyed his breakthrough in senior football at Lyngby and went on to register 3 goals and 5 assists in 59 appearances, with his promising displays paving the way for a move to Aarhus in 2018. 

Hojer hasn’t looked back since then and has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Danish Superligaen, accumulating an impressive tally of 9 goals and 20 assists in 92 appearances. The 25-year-old, who represented Denmark at U-18 and U-19 levels earlier in his career, has also caught the eye in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League.

Hojer would add more depth to Celtic’s left-back ranks

Greg Taylor has established himself as the undisputed first-choice for Neil Lennon in the left wing-back position following the departure of Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo on loan to Istanbul Basaksehir earlier this summer. 

The Scotsman has started 7 out of Celtic’s 8 league fixtures so far, registering 3 assists in the process. Besides that, Taylor has also featured thrice in the qualifying rounds of the club’s European campaign, which clearly lies testament to the massive workload that he has been forced to shoulder.

Hence, it goes without saying that the Hoops need more competition for places in that department as a potential injury to Taylor would render them with absolutely no specialist cover at left-back/left wing-back. 

Casper Hojer, to that end, perfectly fits the bill as an effective low-cost option for Celtic before the deadline.

The former Denmark U-19 international predominantly operates as a left-back but his impressive tally of goals and assists suggest that he should be more than capable of slotting into a wing-back role and perform the attacking duties well. 

Read more

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Verdict

Casper Hojer might not be among the high-profile names in Europe but it is worth mentioning here that Lennon has a good track record of unearthing hidden gems from some of the lesser fancied leagues in Europe. The rise of Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed at Parkhead lies testament to those claims. 

The 25-year-old fits the profile of an attacking full-back and still has his best years ahead of him. That coupled with his modest price tag makes Hojer worth a punt for the reigning Scottish champions.