Celtic target lifts lid on £7m transfer chase that had him struggling to sleep (2025)

The Hoops were interested in Sondre Orjasaeter but were priced out of a £7m move

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Sondre Orjasaeter has revealed all about Celtic's interest in him in January – admitting he carried his passport everywhere with him, and struggled to even sleep.

And while the 21-year-old says the transfer window closing was something of a relief, he's refused to close the door on reviving a move in future.

The Norway youth international winger was linked with a move to Celtic in the last transfer window, but his club, Sarpsborg reportedly put a £7million price tag on their top prospect and the interest from Brendan Rodgers' side cooled.

And Orjasaeter has stressed he is in no rush to leave his homeland after admitting he's not your typical young player.

He said: "They were pretty brutal days for me in January. I struggled to sleep.

"I didn't know if I was going to be in Norway or not. I could have moved at any moment. I had to carry my passport with me everywhere.

"When the window closed, I felt a sense of relief. I came to the conclusion that I was determined to stay in Sarpsborg and play here, because I didn't know if I was ready to leave yet.

"Going abroad now is another level up. It had become more professional and everything. There were many thoughts going through my head during that period.

"If I get a little more time in Sarpsborg, I think I'll mature and be ready for it eventually.

"Of course, you will have a better life after your career if you have more money in your account, but you only live once. For me, it is just as important to have fun along the way. It is probably even more important

"I have a lot of friends to keep me grounded. I think if I only had football, my head would explode!

"I'm not much of a fan of football, but I love having it as a job. I couldn't have a better job than what I have. But when I see that my friends are going on holiday or to ski at Easter, I get jealous. I'm not going to lie.

"I hope that those clubs understand that not everyone can be the same. At the same time, I have my serious side too. And I think that kind of thing comes a little with age."

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