Celtic might not have made any headline-grabbing signings in the ongoing summer transfer window, but that does not mean that the club have not been active in terms of incomings. They had already brought in five fresh faces in the form of Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Maik Nawrocki. And now they have added another name to that quickly-growing list.
That name is that of Gustaf Lagerbielke. For several days, there were rumours that the club had managed to agree a deal with IF Elfsborg to sign the Swedish centre-back.
His participation in IF Elfsborg’s game against Hammarby did confuse many as to whether the move was indeed close or not. But now, there is no doubt left. Lagerbielke is a Celtic player.
The Hoops have found their replacement for Carl Starfelt. As reported by the club’s official website, Lagerbielke has joined Celtic on a five-year deal from IF Elfsborg.
Celtic finally make long-awaited announcement
Starfelt left the club recently in order to join Celta Vigo in La Liga. The Swede had faced his fair share of criticism during his two years in Glasgow but there is zero doubt that he was a vital part of the club’s successes under the management of Ange Postecoglou.
Thus, his exit did leave a hole in the squad. And Lagerbielke is one of the players who has been brought in in an attempt to fill that void.
Of course, the club have several other centre-backs who could have a chance to play there as well and partner Cameron Carter-Vickers. Nawrocki has started the first two games in the heart of defence. Brendan Rodgers appears to rate Stephen Welsh highly as well. The likes of Liam Scales, Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata are also potential options to consider there for the Northern Irish manager.