Celtic fans have reacted positively to the news from Sweden last night that talks are at an advanced stage to bring Gustaf Lagerbielke to the Scottish champions.
With Carl Starfelt expected to join Celta Vigo it looks like a younger Swedish defender has been teed up as his replacement.
The circumstances of Starfelt’s exit has been known for some time, it looks like the timing has been delayed to get Maik Nawrocki signed with Lagerbielke giving Brendan Rodgers a third first team central defender to work with.
Getting those deals in place for pre-season would have been ideal but getting the right players signed is more important than getting them in early.
Rodgers would have discussed all aspects of recruitment before agreeing to return to Celtic, the signings of Nawrocki and probably Lagerbielke suggest that the project market is still a priority but it is players with 100 or so senior appearances to their name rather than teenagers just breaking through.
A £3m deal with Elfsborg is being discussed, the Swedish side will be looking for a decent sell on clause with Celtic proving with Jota that even a 30% clause isn’t going to be a deal breaker to bring in the right player.
🇸🇪 | 𝗚𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗸𝗲 – 𝗕𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲❗
Celtic have made an offer in the region of £3M for IF Elfsborg centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke.
The 23 year old Sweden international saw his agent meet with the club on Sunday in order to iron out a deal.
[@Expressen] pic.twitter.com/RVg1cvoKJS
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) August 7, 2023
Throughout the dealings the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers is vital to the way that Rodgers sees his side developing.
Without the former Spurs defender Celtic looked exceptionally vulnerable in the final month of last season with various partnerships tied out.
Starfelt’s move has to an extent forced the issue but bringing in two while one departs suggests that that part of the team was identified as a weakness.
With the Swedish season running through the summer there shouldn’t be any fitness issues for Lagerbielke to overcome although he would be walking into a very demanding run of fixtures.
Other than a home match against St Johnstone Celtic are on the road to Pittodrie, Rugby Park and Ibrox before the September winter break which is currently the three toughest venues in the country to go to.
As reliable as you’ll get in Sweden.
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) August 7, 2023
Glad that brendy was true to his word vaguely remember “if Starfelt leaves we’ll get a replacement quickly”
— P🍀 (@KieranTearKnee3) August 7, 2023
Now we’re talking 💪
— 🍀JP🍀67 (@JP6795800296) August 7, 2023
Celtic and Swedish centre backs
— Dildo Shwaggins (@CptBaconBaps) August 7, 2023
Also Ajax and Antwerp was for him …seems very good player …bring him home
— Mmmmm877 (@Fmandri87) August 7, 2023
Boy can ping a pass.
— SC (@ghodsgift) August 7, 2023
This is a real footballer right here. Would be a great buy
— GiacZamb (@GiacZamb) August 7, 2023
CCV Nawrocki & Lagerbielke – I like the look of that. Yes and yes again.
— IndyRepublic (@Bailey_Bhoy_) August 7, 2023
