Celtic confirm Stefan Johansen signing

CELTIC have confirmed the signing of Norwegian midfielder Stefan Johansen on a three-and-a-half year deal.

Stefan Johansens move has attracted huge media interest in Scotland and Norway. Picture: SNS

The 23-year-old joins the Premiership leaders from Norwegian champions Stromsgodset.

Johansen revealed he had spoken to his compatriot, Rogne about his imminent switch to Glasgow.

“I talked a little bit with Thomas because I played in the (Norway) Under-21s with him,” he explained. “I have heard from the national (team) guys that it’s a fantastic city and the Celtic fans are unbelievable. I hope it’s going to work out and I’m looking forward to it.”

One person who is sure Johansen will be a huge success at Celtic is his club and country team-mate Ola Kamara.

Johansen helped his former team Stromsgodset win their first title for 43 years and his colleague Kamara believes Celtic have got themselves a bargain at £2m. He said: “I am very happy for Stefan that he has signed for a big club.

“It’s a great move for him and he deserves it. The Norwegian league can be a springboard for a move, but not everyone gets picked up. You have to earn it. He is clearly a brilliant player and has won this transfer on his own merit.”

Johansen ‘unlikely’ to feature against Motherwell

The Norwegian will have to wait for his first taste of Celtic action, with the player himself admitting in a press conference this afternoon that he is unlikely to face Motherwell, having not kicked a ball since November.

He told the media this afternoon: “My fitness test went well but we will be patient about when I play. I haven’t played since November so I don’t think I will play against Motherwell.

“I will adapt, I have no worries about that. I expect it to be more physical. Celtic like to play football so I look forward to it.”

Johansen added that he was a creative player who wanted to score and create goals, adding: “I’m a passing player when the ball is on the ground.”

Rogic move falls through

Meanwhile, Tom Rogic’s loan move to Japan has collapsed.

Celtic’s Australian midfielder has been allowed to leave Parkhead on loan to get game time before this summer’s World Cup tournament in Brazil, and was expected to link up with his former manager at Central Coast Mariners, Graham Arnold, at Vegalta Sendai.

But the Japanese club have had second thoughts, and Rogic could now head to England or move to a European club instead. His agent, Daniel Berman, confirmed: “We have contingency plans in place.”

Rogic has been told by Australian national team coach Ange Postecoglou he will not be included in his squad for Brazil unless he gets back playing. He will have to hope other clubs are interested in taking him on loan now.