Genoa want Celtic player to replace €30 million defender

Celtic's centre-back ranks could undergo quite a bit of change over the coming weeks. Nat Phillips has already returned to Liverpool, with his half-season loan spell coming to an end. There is speculation over the future of Yuki Kobayashi as well and he could end up returning to the J-League, whether permanently or on a temporary basis.

There is another Celtic centre-back whose future at the club remains in doubt. That is none other than Gustaf Lagerbielke.

The Swedish international was signed in the summer from IF Elfsborg for a transfer fee believed to be around £3 million. His time at Parkhead has been interesting though.

Celtic have a pretty good defensive record when Lagerbielke has played. Over his nine appearances for the club, Brendan Rodgers' side have kept five cleansheets. The Swede even scored the winner against Feyenoord as the Hoops won their first Champions League game since 2017. But that has not translated into more opportunities for the centre-back and it is believed that he could be on his way out this summer.

Genoa want Celtic player to replace €30 million defender

Interestingly, Ange Postecoglou could end up playing an indirect part in deciding Lagerbielke's future. Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are the two clubs competing for Radu Dragusin's signature.

As reported by Il Secolo XIX, Genoa is also evaluating whether and how to replace Dragusin. Lagerbielke is one of the players the Italian club are monitoring.

Genoa are not the only Italian club Lagerbielke has been linked with either. He is believed to be on the radar of Lecce as well.

Thus, if Lagerbielke was to leave Celtic, Italy seems like his most likely destination. And Serie A might actually be a better fit for his style of football than the one Celtic are trying to play.