STEFAN JOHANSEN was sold to Celtic in January 2014 by Strømsgodset boss Ronny Deila before the duo teamed up at Parkhead later that summer.
The midfielder had caught the Hoops’ attention by playing a starring role for the Norwegian club as they won their first title in 43 years.
Neil Lennon was the man in charge who paid £2million for the elegant and energetic playmaker who sealed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the champions. Johansen became the fourth Norwegian to play for the club following Harald Brattbakk, Vidar Riseth and Thomas Rogne.
He made his debut as a late substitute in a 4-0 victory over Hibs 11 days after signing and the international star claimed his first goal in a 3-0 triumph over St Mirren in March.
ON THE RUN…Stefan Johansen races clear as he prepares to win his first medal for Celtic in the 2-0 League Cup Final triumph over Dundee United at Hampden on March 15 2015.
Deila was the surprise successor to Lennon in June 2014 and the Nordic double-act dovetailed well during the season as the Hoops won the championship and the League Cup. Johansen pitched in with 13 goals and impressed to the extent he won the SPFA Player of the Year award.
However, it all went wrong in the next campaign with the manager struggling for consistency and Celtic’s interest in Europe hardly getting off the ground. The end was in sight for the manager when the Parkhead side lost the Scottish Cup semi-final on penalty-kicks to second-tier Rangers in April.
Deila announced he would be quitting the role the following month and remained in place to be handed his second successive Premiership silverware.
Brendan Rodgers took over the hot-seat in June 2016 and Johansen was on his way to Fulham in a £1.8million switch two months later.
He signed a three-year deal with the Craven Cottage club before going on loan to West Brom on short-term loan in October 2019. The skilful middle-of-the-park operator was involved in another temporary transfer in January 2021, this time to Queens Park Rangers and the move was made permanent in July that year.
On June 19 2023, Johansen had his contract terminated by mutual consent. He had a season at Sarpsborg 08 in his homeland before hanging up his boots in January 2025.
He won 55 caps for Norway, with several of his appearances as captain.
* TOMORROW: Don’t miss the adventures of another former Celt in CQN’s EXCLUSIVE series.
