Celtic are closing in on the transfer of PSV midfielder Joel van den Berg. The 19-year-old Dutch talent was pulled from Jong PSV's match against RKC Waalwijk on Friday night as he nears a move to the Scottish Premiership leaders, according to a report from the Daily Record.
Celtic's search for midfield options has been a focus this summer following the £22 million departure of Arne Engels to West Ham. The club sits first in the Premiership with a perfect record of two wins from two games, scoring six goals and conceding just one. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Aberdeen on September 2nd, a match you can preview on our fixtures page.
Who is Joel van den Berg?
Joel van den Berg is a 19-year-old central midfielder who stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall. He made six first-team appearances for PSV Eindhoven last season, gaining valuable experience at a top European club. His physical profile and technical ability have made him a target for Celtic's recruitment team. The young player's development path at PSV has been closely monitored, and his potential move represents a significant step in his career.
What did the PSV coach say?
Jong PSV coach Stijn Schaars confirmed the player's absence was due to transfer interest. He also commented on the broader situation affecting his squad, with teammate Jordy Bawuah also missing the match as he nears a move to FC Twente. Schaars emphasized the importance of a stable environment for young players. "We are in charge with the aim of taking players to a higher level," Schaars said. He added, "[Young] Players need stability and structure even more than experienced pros do." The coach praised the values and physical attributes of both van den Berg and Bawuah, highlighting their toughness, strength, and sprinting ability.
How does he fit into the Celtic squad?
The potential arrival of van den Berg addresses a clear need in the Celtic engine room. The departure of Arne Engels created a vacancy that requires filling, especially with the long season ahead. Van den Berg offers a different physical presence and would add depth to a squad competing on multiple fronts. Managerial plans will likely involve integrating him gradually, but his age and profile suggest he is seen as both an immediate option and a long-term project. You can view the current midfield options on our squad page.
What is the current context at Celtic?
Celtic's strong start to the season provides a positive backdrop for any new signing. The team has maximum points and a +5 goal difference, demonstrating solid early form. However, the squad is not without its concerns, as defender Alistair Johnston and winger Jota are currently sidelined, a situation tracked on our injuries page. The transfer deadline is fast approaching, adding urgency to the club's business. Securing a player of van den Berg's potential would be a boost as the campaign intensifies with European football on the horizon. The club's league position, detailed on our standings page, shows they are the team to catch.
The move for Joel van den Berg signals Celtic's intent to build for the future while maintaining their domestic dominance. If completed, the transfer would give the manager another young, athletic option in the centre of the park as the fixtures begin to pile up.
