Every transfer window is about finding the right balance of arrivals and exits. Celtic need to let the right players leave while bringing in those who will strengthen Brendan Rodgers' squad. That feels like a simple idea on paper but is much tougher to execute. And it remains to be seen how things play out for th Hoops this summer.
Celtic will be keen to keep their best players around. At the same time, they will also be eager for some to leave and bring in transfer fees in return to bolster the budget for the summer.
For a long time, it had looked like Gustaf Lagerbielke was one of the players who was certain to complete a permanent exit this summer. He had been sent out on loan to FC Twente and was actually doing pretty well for them, raising hopes of a transfer.
But now, it looks like a move to the Dutch side is off the table. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, FC Twente’s technical director, Arnold Bruggink, told the podcast De Ballen Verstand:
"Lagerbielke will most likely go back (to Celtic) too. That’s what it looks like at the moment.
“(We need) two central defenders, one of whom has to be a real leader, as far as I’m concerned. The profile you’re looking at is that of Robin Pröpper.
“You need a leader from the back, which will give you a lot more stability."
Club chief confirms Celtic player is set to leave
Lagerbielke had enjoyed a decent run of form at FC Twente. But in the second half of the campaign, it seemed to dip and now, it looks like a permanent switch to the Dutch team is no longer on the cards.
So, Lagerbielke will return to Celtic. But it is hard to imagine that he has much of a future at Parkhead. He never seemed like the right fit in Rodgers' system and that has not changed. So, it is pretty likely that the Swede will be sent out on another loan spell or possibly a permanent transfer will be found.
Of course, Lagerbielke never really got a chance to show what he is capable of at Celtic. The same can be said about Maik Nawrocki as well, signed in the same window, who has also struggled for game time despite doing well whenever given a chance.