Bodø/Glimt Faces New European Season Without Star Striker Høgh, Experts Confident in Replacements

Norwegian football club Bodø/Glimt is embarking on a new European campaign, notably without their prolific striker Kasper Høgh, who recently transferred to Celtic. The team faces its first challenge Tuesday in an away match against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

Kasper Høgh, who scored 53 goals in 102 appearances for Bodø/Glimt, including 15 goals in 33 European matches, leaves a significant gap. Head coach Kjetil Knutsen now has three forwards at his disposal: Andreas Helmersen, Ola Brynhildsen, and Mikkel Bro Hansen. Knutsen acknowledged their different playing styles but expressed confidence in the team's adaptability. "We have three good strikers, but they are a bit different from Kasper. They give us other opportunities, and we are good at adapting and playing in a way that utilizes the strengths of the players we have in the team now," Knutsen told VG.

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We have three good strikers, but they are a bit different from Kasper. They give us other opportunities, and we are good at adapting and playing in a way that utilizes the strengths of the players we have in the team now.

Football experts are not overly concerned about Høgh's departure. Former Bodø/Glimt player and analyst Trond Olsen believes the club has capable replacements. "It's clear that Høgh is a good player who has performed well for Glimt and scored many goals, but they have some good players in reserve, so I'm not very worried immediately," Olsen stated. He highlighted Helmersen as a skilled finisher, Bro as a promising talent needing game time, and Brynhildsen as a capable player who hasn't yet featured prominently in his preferred striker role.

Journalist Freddy Toresen of Avisa Nordland also anticipates that Bodø/Glimt will rely on their current squad rather than seeking an immediate replacement, especially given the reported transfer fee of over 146 million Norwegian kroner paid by Celtic for Høgh. The club's strategy often involves developing existing talent, suggesting a focus on maximizing the potential of Helmersen, Brynhildsen, and Bro.

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It's clear that Høgh is a good player who has performed well for Glimt and scored many goals, but they have some good players in reserve, so I'm not very worried immediately.