STEFAN JOHANSEN is on the verge of sealing a £2million move to Fulham.
Celtic’s Norwegian international was in London last night undergoing a medical and the deal is expected to be rubber-stamped today.
Johansen, signed by ex-boss Neil Lennon from Stromsgodest for £2.3million in January 2014, is surplus to requirements, as far as Brendan Rodgers is concerned.
The midfielder has managed just one Hoops appearance under the new manager, appearing as a first half substitute in the Champions League home win over Astana earlier this month.
Plagued by recent injuries, however, Johansen was missing from the squad which earned a place in the group stages in Israel on Tuesday night.His agent, Tore Pedersen, insisted: “He is not injured. There are no worries or controversies in any way.’
Armed with the proceeds of Scotland international striker Ross McCormack’s £12million sale to Aston Villa, the Craven Cottage outfit have agreed to meet Rodgers’ asking price.
Peter Lawwell last night confirmed the speculation that Celtic are set to make at least one more signing before the window closes next week. The player rumored to be sitting in pole position in Brendan Rodger’s wish-list is Everton’s James McCarthy, who has been told that he is not in Everton’s plans for the new season.
Johansen had an outstanding season in the season before last where he won the Scottish Player of the Year Award and numerous other personal honours. Last season was a different story altogether with the Norwegian struggling for form and coming in for heavy criticism from the support.
You get the feeling that the move to Fulham will be good for the player and if he starts there the way he did in Glasgow then he should have a very decent season in the Championship.
Brendan Rodgers stated from the off that he wants to work with a smaller squad, so will McCarthy’s arrival may be a case of one in one out, other players who are not featuring will be well aware that their time at the club is nearing its conclusion.
