Celtic Eye Norwegian Targetman Tobias Lauritsen

A Hot Property in the Summer Window

Tobias Lauritsen is a 28‑year‑old Norwegian striker who is set to become a free agent after his contract with Sparta Rotterdam (known locally as De Kasteelheren) expires. The former academy product from Herkules moved through lower‑division clubs such as Urædd and Odd before making a name for himself in the Eliteserien. His break‑out season earned a €450k move to Sparta in 2022, where he posted double‑digit goals in each of his four Eredivisie campaigns.

Now several top clubs are casting an eye his way. According to a report from Il Secolo XIX, relayed by Martin Crawford on X, Celtic, Leicester City and Sampdoria are all monitoring the 6 ft 3 in hitman. The Bosman‑eligible forward is already attracting interest as clubs begin shaping their summer plans.

Lauritsen’s experience in both the Norwegian top flight and Dutch Eredivisie gives him a solid foundation for a move to the Scottish Premiership. He is known for his poaching ability and composure inside the box, traits that could address Celtic’s current striker concerns.

Why Celtic Should Pounce

Celtic have endured fan frustration after a quiet window in recent seasons, relying on below‑par signings instead of aggressive recruitment. The club is still searching for a reliable No. 9 to partner potential new signings like Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand. The Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho, despite contributing to recent triumphs, faces injury‑related uncertainty and has not been offered a fresh contract.

Reports indicate that Daizen Maeda may leave the club, leaving an even larger hole in the attack. Adding Lauritsen as a like‑for‑like replacement could restore balance up front, bringing a physical presence and proven scoring record to Celtic Park. His availability on a Bosman means Celtic could secure him without a hefty fee, fitting a budget‑conscious summer drive.

Interest from Leicester City and Sampdoria suggests competition will be fierce. Acting quickly could give Celtic the edge, preventing rivals from snapping up a striker who can score consistently at the professional level. Securing Lauritsen would signal a shift toward a more ambitious transfer strategy, addressing the squad’s scoring depth and quiet recruitment history.