Celtic are expected to undergo a squad overhaul over the course of the summer transfer window. And a new centre-back might very well be near the top of Ange Postecoglou’s wish list.
The Hoops struggled at the back throughout the course of the previous season. And with Shane Duffy having left at the end of his loan spell, and Kristoffer Ajer being linked with a move away this summer with just a year left on his current deal, it would not be surprising if the club decided to sign a centre-back or two.
Otherwise, they would be left with Christopher Jullien and Stephen Welsh as the only two recognised centre-backs at the club, with Nir Bitton capable of filling in when needed,. On top of that, the Frenchman has played very little football over the past year or so due to injuries.
But could the club try to bring back a familiar face instead of going for someone new, when it comes to signing a centre-back? Erik Sviatchenko has been linked with a return to Parkhead in recent months. The Danish defender commented on the situation while speaking with Tipsbladet (via Daily Record):
"“It is always difficult to comment on such rumours. We’ll see what happens.“It’s a cool club, but I actually do not know more than what it says. Then we have to see if there is anything in it.”"
He does not seem opposed to the idea of a move away from FC Midtjylland though, if the right offer was on the table:
"“In two weeks there is suddenly something and then it is a new situation. It may also be that there is nothing.“But I have told my people that if the right thing comes, then of course I am really interested.”"
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Would Sviatchenko be a good signing for Celtic?
It would make a lot of sense for the club to bring back someone like Sviatchenko. He already knows the Scottish game and what it takes to succeed at Parkhead.
Also, he will bring a lot of experience and leadership qualities with him, two things that this side might need at this point of time. Sviatchenko is currently the captain of FC Midtjylland.
Sviatchenko spent a short but successful spell at Celtic a few years ago, before returning to FC Midtjylland. At 29 years of age, he is still in his prime as a footballer though and has appeared to get even better ever since leaving the Hoops. Thus, could a return to Parkhead be on the cards for him?