Despite putting in a solid performance and looking like the better team for most of the game, Celtic could only manage a 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second round qualifier. But overall, there were a lot of promising signs.
There were a lot of exciting counter-attacks which just needed an end product to them and the football was much more direct than recent times. If this is just after about a month under Ange Postecoglou, the fans must be very excited about what is to come.
Yet, there are still a few areas where the Hoops must improve in. One of them is centre-back. Nir Bitton, who is not a natural centre-back, started the game there and got sent off in the first half itself. And while Dane Murray looked solid there after coming on, it is clear that Postecoglou needs more options in the position.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted out that Carl Starfelt will be Kristoffer Ajer’s replacement, who is set to join Brentford, and an official announcement will be made in the coming days:
Confirmed. Kristoffer Ajer will join Brentford on a permanent deal for €15m. Carl Starfelt will be his replacement at Celtic from Rubin Kazan, done deal for €5m and official announcement in the next days. 🔴 #Brentford #Celtic
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2021
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Starfelt appears to be closing in on a move to Celtic
The Rubin Kazan centre-back seems to be closing in on a move to Parkhead. And he appeared to drop a major hint on his social media last night. As reported by the Daily Record, he shared a picture on his Instagram while watching the game between Celtic and FC Midtjylland.
The 26-year-old had a very impressive 2020/21 campaign as Rubin Kazan had one of the best defences in the Russian Premier League and finished in fourth.
The Swedish centre-back looks like he could be a solid fit in Postecoglou’s style of football. He is a ball-playing centre-back, who does not give away fouls easily and is good at defensive duels. The potential transfer fee for the move is believed to be around €5 million.