Celtic eye Rapid Vienna star as immediate Nicolas Kuhn replacement after standout season in Austrian Bundesliga
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CELTIC are eyeing Rapid Vienna winger Isak Jansson.
Boss Brendan Rodgers is on the hunt for new wide men as Nicolas Kuhn heads for Como in a £17million exit.
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Isak Jansson of Rapid Vienna could be on his way to Parkhead
SunSport understands that £3m-rated Swede Jansson is one of those on Celts' radar after an impressive campaign.
The 23-year-old joined Rapid as Kuhn's direct replacement after his Parkhead switch in January 2024.
Jansson has been a standout in the Austrian Bundesliga over the last 18 months, and is now being chased by clubs across Europe.
Lazio, Fiorentina and Ligue 1 new boys Paris FC have all been linked with moves for the Sweden Under-21 cap.
Jansson hit nine goals and claimed six assists for Rapid last season as he helped them reach the Conference League quarter-finals.
Celtic boss Rodgers insists it's vital they get it right by replacing the players they are selling.
Kuhn's move to Como will be confirmed within days, and the Hoops chief is eager to land reinforcements as quickly as possible, with Jota also out injured until 2026.
Rodgers said: 'With the likes of Nicolas, there was interest towards the end of last season. And then that followed through into pre-season.
'That means once we have the value that we think, they can go on and get away early.
'With Matt O'Riley, we didn't get the value until late on. But what is important is you have to freshen the squad.
The diggers move in as Celtic Park pitch is dug up
'I'm really pleased with some of the guys we've brought in — and we need to bring in more.
'We will only sell if the valuation is met. Likewise, players coming in, we have to get the right players.
'It's not just about getting players. We've brought in some that can do really well for us, but we hope to do more.
'At this moment, it's really about getting the team ready and prepared and building the squad.'
Jansson started his career with Swedish minnows Skene IF and Kalmar FF, before moving to Spanish Second Division side Cartagena.
Rapid signed him after his pace and dribbling stats were flagged up by their data analysts.
After an initial loan, Jansson moved to Austria permanently last summer for around £200,000.
His value has rocketed, and Rapid admit they will struggle to hold on to him in this window.
Jansson is right-footed and can operate on both flanks, but prefers to play off the left wing.
Speaking recently, he said: 'I know there are many teams at our games. I also know the teams that are interested in me and have contacted my agent.
'But I feel comfortable in Rapid as I am developing every day.'
Celts have also been tracking Antwerp ace Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sarpsborg star Sondre Orjasaeter.
Meanwhile, stopper Maik Nawrocki has joined Hannover 96 on loan.
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