Celtic player rejects chance to leave despite lack of game time

As Celtic's plans to strengthen the squad move forward, hopefully with the signing of Adam Idah from Norwich City, other changes are still very much expected. We’ve seen the club make some tough decisions and part ways with players, even those who are highly-rated. Bosun Lawal to Stoke City and Daniel Kelly heading to Millwall are unlikely to be the last exits this window.

Last summer saw the signing of two new centre-backs, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki.  Opportunities on the pitch for both have been rare and limited.

Injuries to Nawrocki haven't helped his efforts to get more game time. Lagerbielke has been available but rarely selected for the squad. 

Neither featured in Sunday's match against Hibernian at all. Stephen Welsh was the only recognised centre-back after Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales in the 20-man squad. That might indicate that there is unlikely to be a place for both players at the club going forward. 

Celtic player rejects chance to leave despite lack of game time

It looks as though a decent deal for either player, acceptable to them and Celtic,  would see them depart pretty quickly. But that's not easy to set up without a good agreement between the two clubs and the players. It looks like that's been a stumbling block for both Lagerbielle and Nawrocki recently.

As reported by Football Scotland, Lagerbielke has reportedly turned down a return to his homeland on loan with Malmo. He is reluctant to move back to Allsvenskan.

Lagerbielke is believed to be attracting interest from English Championship clubs. It’s a more likely route to recoup a significant part of the €3.4 million fee the club paid to sign him from IF Elfsborg.

For Nawrocki, if a much better offer doesn't arrive, then a loan deal may be an option. If he stays and remains injury free then he may add some cover but nothing more.