Norwegian Football: Future Stars to Watch | Bergensavisen

The footballing career of Joel Mvuka continues to unfold with a new loan move, as the young Norwegian forward joins Celtic in Scotland on February 3, 2026. This latest chapter sees him link up with the Scottish Premiership club for the remainder of the season, with an option for a permanent transfer.

Mvuka, born in Bergen, Norway on November 12, 2002, currently plays for Ligue 1 club Lorient, but has spent the last several seasons gaining experience through a series of loan spells. His journey began with Åsane, where he developed his skills before attracting attention from Bodø/Glimt in the summer of 2021. He initially signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Lorient on January 31, 2023, but was immediately loaned back to Bodø/Glimt to continue his development.

The 23-year-old’s path has included a stint in Switzerland with Young Boys, beginning on January 20, 2024, where he made 16 appearances and scored 2 goals. Now, he arrives at Celtic, hoping to contribute to their campaign. As of January 24, 2026, his club statistics show a total of 52 appearances for Lorient, with 3 goals scored. He has also featured for Bodø/Glimt on loan, adding 12 appearances and 3 goals to his tally, and 16 appearances and 2 goals for Young Boys.

Mvuka’s international career reflects his progression through the Norwegian youth ranks. He has represented Norway at the U19, U20, and U21 levels, accumulating 7 appearances and 1 goal for the U20 team, and 16 appearances with 3 goals for the U21 squad. His versatility as a forward has been evident throughout his career, and he will be looking to make an impact at Celtic.

Beyond his on-field career, Mvuka’s personal story is noteworthy. Born to Burundian parents in Norway, he also has Rwandan descent. He faced a significant setback as a teenager when he was forced to pause his footballing ambitions for eight months due to heart irregularities. However, after receiving a proper diagnosis, he was able to return to the sport he loves.

The Mvuka family’s connection to football extends beyond Joel, with his brother, Beltran Mvuka, also forging a career as a professional footballer. This familial link adds another layer to Joel’s story, highlighting the dedication and passion for the game within his family.

The move to Celtic represents another opportunity for Mvuka to showcase his talent on a prominent stage. While his appearances for Celtic are currently at 0 goals in 0 apps as of today, February 4, 2026, the loan deal provides a platform for him to prove his worth and potentially earn a permanent transfer. The Scottish Premiership is known for its competitive nature and passionate fanbase, offering a challenging environment for the young forward to develop.

The news of Mvuka’s loan to Celtic comes amidst other developments in Norwegian football. Bergensavisen, a Norwegian newspaper, has recently been the subject of attention, and there has been discussion surrounding the performance of Brann, another Norwegian club. However, Mvuka’s move to Celtic stands as a significant individual story, representing a key moment in his burgeoning career.

The loan system has become increasingly prevalent in modern football, allowing clubs to assess players without committing to a permanent transfer. For Mvuka, this arrangement with Celtic offers a chance to demonstrate his abilities and potentially secure a long-term future with the Scottish club. His journey from Åsane to Lorient, and now to Celtic, underscores his determination and the opportunities available to young players in the contemporary game.