Celtic have reportedly intensified their efforts to bring PSV youngster Joël van den Berg to Glasgow, with the Scottish champions said to be progressing towards a potential deal for the highly-rated Netherlands Under-19 midfielder.

The Hoops are understood to be considering a fee in the region of €4 million (£3.4 million) for the 19-year-old, who stands at 6ft 2in and is reportedly interested in making the move to Scotland.

Negotiations appear to have moved forward quickly, with Celtic representatives potentially travelling to Eindhoven as the two clubs work towards an agreement before the transfer window closes.

The interest in Van den Berg has gathered pace after Celtic were beaten to the signing of another midfield target. Ermin Mahmic had reportedly been close to joining the Parkhead club, only for the Bosnian midfielder to commit his future to Turkish side Corum FK.

That development appears to have encouraged Celtic to pursue an alternative, with Van den Berg now emerging as a prominent target.

The PSV academy graduate has already begun making the transition towards senior football. He featured five times for PSV’s first team during the 2025/26 season while also continuing his development with Jong PSV in the Eerste Divisie.

His performances at reserve level have attracted attention, with the midfielder registering seven goals and four assists across 26 appearances last term. He has also made an impressive start to the new campaign, finding the net twice in his opening three league appearances.

Why Celtic are interested in Van den Berg

Van den Berg’s playing style appears to fit the type of player Celtic have increasingly targeted in the transfer market.

The teenager is regarded by PSV as a physically strong midfielder with defensive awareness, technical ability, intelligent movement and quality distribution. He has previously described himself as a box-to-box player who enjoys getting involved in physical battles and contributing both defensively and offensively.

For Celtic, however, the major consideration will be whether Van den Berg is capable of making an immediate impact or whether he would initially be viewed as a development project.

The club’s midfield has faced criticism in recent weeks, particularly following the heavy Champions League disappointment against LASK, with Luke McCowan among those attracting scrutiny.

Martin O’Neill has also indicated that Celtic remain keen to strengthen their squad, making the pursuit of Van den Berg particularly interesting as the deadline approaches.

A fee of approximately £3.4m would represent a significant investment in a player who has only recently begun establishing himself at senior level. Rather than paying a substantial amount for an experienced midfielder, Celtic would instead be betting on Van den Berg’s potential to develop into a major asset.

His PSV background could make that gamble especially appealing. The Dutch club has a strong record of producing and developing young talent, while Van den Berg has already demonstrated that he can compete at a higher level despite his age.

If Celtic manage to complete the deal, the midfielder could eventually be viewed as a long-term replacement for Arne Engels, who left for West Ham United in a £22m transfer earlier this month.

The move would therefore represent more than an attempt to strengthen O’Neill’s midfield options for the immediate future. Celtic could be acquiring a player who has the potential to become an important figure at the club over the coming years.

Jong PSV coach provides insight into Van den Berg situation

The growing transfer speculation has also been acknowledged by Jong PSV head coach Stijn Schaars, who believes young players require stability and structure while developing their careers.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper Eindhovens Dagblad, Schaars explained that PSV regularly assesses whether promising players should remain with Jong PSV, move into the senior squad, leave on loan or be sold.

He said:

“We are in charge with the aim of taking players to a higher level. In doing so, we also hold regular internal discussions about our plans. Do we want to keep the lads here, promote them to the PSV first team, loan them out, or sell them?

Schaars admitted that PSV’s young players have attracted increasing interest and that the club knew difficult decisions would have to be made during the transfer window.

He added:

“Since last year, our talents have been increasingly in demand, so we have to make choices. It’s not ideal [to lose players] but it doesn’t come completely out of the blue.”

Van den Berg’s situation had become particularly difficult to manage, with Schaars revealing that the midfielder was left out of the squad because of the amount of transfer activity surrounding him.

He explained:

“There was so much going on regarding Joël that it was better to keep them out of the squad.”

The Jong PSV boss also highlighted the importance of providing young players with a stable environment during periods of uncertainty.

“Players need stability and structure even more than experienced pros do. When situations like this arise, they aren’t yet fully able to anticipate them.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Van den Berg’s future, Schaars was full of praise for the youngster’s development and attitude.

He said Van den Berg had “set the standard” within the group through his values, toughness, physical strength in duels and sprinting ability, although he acknowledged that replacing his influence would take time.

O’Neill keeps Celtic transfer plans under wraps

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has offered little away regarding the club’s activity behind the scenes.

Following Saturday’s 2-1 Premiership victory over Falkirk, O’Neill was asked for an update on Celtic’s transfer plans but responded with a typically cryptic answer.

“Transfers… Wondering when this was coming out. All right. Cheerio, lads, OK? We’re hopeful,” he said.

That response is unlikely to provide supporters with much clarity, but reports of Celtic’s pursuit of Van den Berg suggest the club is continuing to work on midfield reinforcements.

With the transfer deadline rapidly approaching, Celtic now appear to have identified the PSV teenager as a potential solution after missing out on Mahmic.

Whether the Hoops can turn their reported interest into a completed deal remains to be seen, but Van den Berg’s age, physical profile and early senior experience make him an intriguing option for a Celtic side looking to strengthen for both the present and the future.