NafisaCeltic supporters were already reeling after watching their team suffer a humiliating 2-0 defeat against Falkirk, but another worrying development could soon make matters even worse for Martin O’Neill.
The Hoops travelled to the Falkirk Stadium hoping to extend their advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership to seven points, with Rangers occupied by their League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen. Instead, they produced a disappointing performance that saw them leave empty-handed.
Ethan Ross punished a costly Cameron Carter-Vickers mistake to give the hosts an early lead, before Scott Tanser doubled Falkirk’s advantage in the 38th minute. Celtic never managed to recover, with former Hoops goalkeeper Scott Bain producing several important saves to preserve the victory.
The result has intensified the pressure on O’Neill, particularly with Rangers having an opportunity to move within one point of their rivals if they win their outstanding league fixture.
However, the defeat is not the only concern developing behind the scenes at Celtic Park. Fresh reports suggest the club could soon face an extremely difficult decision over one of their most important players, with Premier League clubs preparing to make their interest known.
And the latest information surrounding Benjamin Nygren suggests Celtic’s board are already aware of how difficult it could be to prevent his departure.
Celtic board braced for Benjamin Nygren departure
According to Football Insider, Celtic are preparing for potential offers for Nygren ahead of the January transfer window, with several clubs across Europe, including Premier League sides, monitoring the Swedish midfielder.
The report indicates that there is a growing feeling behind the scenes that Celtic could struggle to retain the 25-year-old if a substantial offer arrives and the player is keen to make the move.
That represents a significant development because Nygren has become one of O’Neill’s most important attacking players since arriving from FC Nordsjaelland in 2025.
Celtic paid approximately £1.7 million to secure his services, but his performances have quickly attracted attention from clubs with considerably greater financial resources.
He has already registered six goals and three assists in 11 Scottish Premiership appearances this season, making him a valuable contributor to the team’s attacking output.
Football Insider also reports that Nygren is believed to be keen on the possibility of a Premier League switch, which could make Celtic’s position even more complicated.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke explained:
“He is a very key player for Martin O’Neill, Benjamin Nygren, after a really good debut season in which he finished as their top scorer.
“I’m sure those performances have alerted clubs in England and elsewhere to Nygren’s potential. Celtic are well aware that if a club from one of the bigger leagues comes in for him, it’s gonna be pretty hard to keep him at the club.
“He’s under long term contract up at Celtic as well, but we’ve seen in the past, players who do well for Celtic can be lured away due to the finances on offer at other clubs.”
Premier League clubs could make Celtic’s position difficult
The situation is particularly concerning because Nygren is not approaching the end of his contract.
The midfielder remains tied to Celtic until 2030, meaning the club are not under immediate contractual pressure to sell him.
Football Insider previously reported that Celtic were relaxed about his future because of the length of his deal. However, the latest information suggests that their confidence could be tested if a financially significant proposal arrives.
Nottingham Forest are among the clubs previously linked with the midfielder, having reportedly seen offers rejected last January.
Manchester United and Tottenham have also been mentioned among the potential admirers, although no fresh bid or agreed transfer fee has been confirmed.
For Celtic, the financial temptation could be considerable. Having signed Nygren for around £1.7 million, any substantial sale would represent a significant profit.
But the footballing consequences of losing him could be much harder to manage.
O’Neill could lose a crucial player at the worst possible time
The timing makes this situation particularly uncomfortable for Celtic.
Sunday’s defeat at Falkirk has already exposed problems within the team, while Rangers now have an opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Premiership.
O’Neill needs his most productive players available as Celtic attempt to recover from their recent domestic setbacks and improve their European campaign.
Nygren’s contribution makes him particularly important in that regard. His six league goals and three assists demonstrate the attacking influence he has provided, and replacing that output midway through the season would be a significant challenge.
There was also a fitness concern surrounding the Swede ahead of the Falkirk match. O’Neill confirmed that he was experiencing soreness, which contributed to the decision to start Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain instead. Nygren was named among the substitutes.
That is another consideration for the manager as he attempts to get his squad back to full strength.
Celtic’s immediate priority will be responding to the Falkirk defeat, but the January transfer window is approaching quickly.
The board may still hope to retain Nygren, and his long-term contract gives them considerable negotiating power. However, the latest report suggests they recognise that a major Premier League offer, particularly if the player wants to accept it, could be extremely difficult to resist.
For Celtic supporters, the prospect of losing one of their most influential players while the team is already struggling for consistency is deeply worrying.
The Falkirk defeat has created enough problems for O’Neill. The possibility of Nygren leaving Parkhead could become another major headache for the club in the months ahead.
Nafisa
