Celtic have seen a couple of key players leave Ange Postecoglou’s side recently. Josip Juranovic, who was a starter since he arrived in the summer of 2021 from Legia Warsaw, completed a move to Union Berlin, who are challenging for the Bundesliga this season. On the other hand, Giorgos Giakoumakis left to join MLS side, Atlanta United, as well.
Of course, there have been a few other exits as well, which are expected to have a lesser impact on the starting XI. It must be said though, that Celtic need to be careful, not to let too many of their key players leave.
Some of the club’s key players have been linked with a move down south in the summer, unsurprisingly. The latest name in that list is that of Carl Starfelt.
As tweeted out by the highly reliable Fabrizio Romano, Starfelt is one to watch in the summer. Premier League clubs are following him as a possible option for the next window.
Celtic must keep first-team starter amid Premier League rumour
Starfelt arrived in the summer of 2021 from Rubin Kazan. And although he has had his fair share of critics, there is no doubt that he is a key part of Postecoglou’s team right now.
Starfelt has dealt with a couple of injury problems this season. Now that he is back to full fitness though, he is once again the starting centre-back for Celtic, and is partnering in the heart of defence with Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Now, Celtic do have other options at centre-back like Yuki Kobayashi, Stephen Welsh and Tomoki Iwata is also capable of playing there. But none of them have proven that they can deliver as a starter for the Hoops.
Also with Starfelt set to turn 28 years of age in the summer, it is unlikely that Celtic will receive a blockbuster transfer bid for him. Thus, if the player is not pushing for an exit, the best case scenario might be to hold on to him.