Rumors have suggested for months now that defender Erik Sviatchenko will seek a new journey elsewhere on a permanent move. However, Brendan Rodgers seemed to have other plans in mind for Sviatchenko.
Instead of selling the Dane for a relatively low value, Celtic have gone ahead and completed the loan move that will send Sviatchenko to his former club, FC Midtjylland for the rest of the season. Transfermarkt notes that the move is valued around 2.5 million pounds.
Sviatchenko didn’t really get much going this season for the Hoops. Two appearances in the Champions League qualifiers wasn’t enough to give a real indication as to how well the center-back played. Plus, Sviatchenko did not feature in any domestic play in this campaign.
The Celts decided to play it safe on the 26-year-old in a way. Instead of permanently selling him at his market cost, Celtic went ahead and gave him guaranteed minutes in Norway in hopes that he can find form when returning to Glasgow.
Sviatchenko exiting the team this month looked as if it was a guarantee. The defender was the odd-man out on the depth chart, and he would have only been pushed down further if anymore defensive signings arrive.
Plus, the signing of Marvin Compper – who was assured starting minutes – only means that Sviatchenko would have been on the bench or even in the reserves. The Daily Mail indicates this in their recent break of the loan news.
"The arrival of veteran German defender Martin Compper from RB Leipzig further reduced the prospect of the Ronny Deila signing forcing his way back into the first team.More from The Celtic BhoysCeltic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord gameCeltic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare RangersBrendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic playerBBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero KyogoKyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters"
Celtic may not be done with the tingling of the back-line either. Several defenders across Europe have been linked with the side at Paradise numerous times, including wonderkid Jack Hendry. Other members that are currently in the squad might be packing their bags along with Sviatchenko very soon.
It’s been reported that Celtic might consider selling Mikael Lustig in January. Even though it seems very unlikely and foolish, Manchester United seem very interested in Kieran Tierney if they cannot sign Tottenham’s Danny Rose.
As for Sviatchenko, this might be the last chance for him to earn his way back into starting minutes with the Bhoys if he can perform with his new club. At the age of 26, his prime years are starting to tick down and he’ll only have so much time to make an impression on Rodgers next season.
Next: Celtic heavily linked with Schalke attacker
Thoughts on Sviatchenko’s loan move? Will the defender impress enough to earn more playing time next season? Let us know in the comments section below.