New Celtic signing Kasper Hogh has revealed that former Hoops midfielder Stefan Johansen, now a youth coach at Bodo/Glimt, helped seal his £11 million move to Parkhead. The Danish striker also credited his time in the Arctic Circle with transforming him from a party animal into a focused goal machine.
From cowboy to believer
Hogh arrived at Bodo/Glimt in 2024 with a reputation for enjoying life off the pitch. Manager Kjetil Knutsen famously told him to 'take off the cowboy hat' before whipping him into shape. The 25-year-old embraced the quiet life in the Norwegian outpost, rediscovered his faith, and went on to score goals domestically and in the Champions League.
Hogh said: 'Before, I was a young boy, you know how it is. But my mentality was in a different place. I liked different things. I don't think I had inner peace in the same way as now. I changed a lot. I believe in God. That helped me change the person I am and the way to see life. When you are balanced in life, you're balanced when you play football.'
Johansen's recommendation
The forward sought advice from Stefan Johansen, who played for Celtic between 2014 and 2016. Hogh added: 'I spoke to some guys who have played here or against Celtic and asked about the club and the atmosphere. Stefan Johansen is youth coach at Bodo and he said it was an amazing club. When I found out there was interest I went to speak to him and some others. I only heard good things about Celtic – and that they have good golf courses here in Scotland!'
Ready for the challenge
Hogh has been handed the No.9 shirt by manager Martin O'Neill and is eager to prove himself. He scored five Champions League goals last season, including strikes against Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. He said: 'I hope so. It feels nice to be wearing the No.9 and I am also happy that the club had that idea. Everybody wants to play in the Champions League if they have the opportunity. I also think Celtic belongs in that tournament.'
The Dane has only taken part in one training session but already feels at home. He said: 'I have only been here for two days but Seb Tounekti also played at Bodo, so we spoke about the history there. We also have Benjamin Nygren and everyone knows about the Scandinavian thing. However, I would say that all the guys are so nice. People told me before that there are 'no idiots'. Everyone is so calm and nice and they are good humans.'
