Celtic’s Kasper Hogh scores first-half hat-trick in league match

Kasper Hogh announced himself in the Scottish Premiership in emphatic fashion, netting three goals before halftime to give Celtic a commanding lead in their league fixture. The 25-year-old Danish striker, who arrived at Parkhead as the club’s record signing just weeks ago, needed little time to justify his £11 million price tag.

After a quiet debut in the 1-0 win over Dundee on August 3, where Hogh created chances but couldn’t find the net, the early returns on Celtic’s biggest-ever investment looked uncertain. That uncertainty evaporated in approximately 45 minutes of football.

From record signing to record-setting performance

The performance validates a scouting operation that zeroed in on Hogh’s prolific record in Scandinavia. During two seasons at Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, the 6-foot-1 forward produced 54 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions. In league play alone, he managed 36 goals in 63 matches, a rate of better than a goal every two games.

Hogh built his reputation with memorable displays in European competition, including a brace against Manchester City that put his name on the radar of clubs across the continent. Celtic moved decisively, securing a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year when the deal closed on July 28.

He inherited the number nine shirt, a jersey that carries weight at Celtic Park.

Celtic’s title defense gains early momentum

Celtic entered the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership season with twin ambitions: defending their domestic title and making a genuine impact in the UEFA Champions League.

Before joining Bodo/Glimt, Hogh cut his teeth at Danish club Aalborg and had a stint at Stabek.

What this means for Celtic’s season

Born on December 6, 2000, Hogh is entering what should be his peak years as a striker. Celtic have him locked up through at least 2030, with the fifth-year option potentially extending that to 2031.

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