Defender explains why Ange Postecoglou didn't sign him for Celtic

By David Walton

January 26, 2022

Erik Sviatchenko has opened up on why he never signed for Celtic in the summer despite some substantial interest in his services.

Sviatchenko once played for the Hoops under both Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers. His spell at Parkhead between 2016 and 2018 saw him make 63 appearances for the club and become a fan-favourite. He was also a part of the Invincible treble campaign [Transfermarkt].

However, interestingly, there was talk in the summer of him making a return from Midtjylland. The Daily Record reported back in June that he was on a list of targets drawn up by the Hoops.

In the end, nothing came of it, with Celtic instead moving for Carl Starfelt and then Cameron Carter-Vickers. And as he opened up on the interest in an interview with Football Scotland, Sviatchenko has explained why the move never came to fruition.

“There was actually a little bit of truth in it. We had some initial talks with Celtic but the new manager wanted players that he had to choose.

“As I understood it, I was highly-rated and someone who could have been considered but they took a different centre-back. It was nice to be linked and it did blow up on the internet which was fun to be a part of. It was just between my agent and the club. It was a hectic speculation time.”

Ange Postecoglou snubbed chance to have Erik Sviatchenko back at Celtic

It would’ve certainly been interesting to see Erik back at Celtic Park after all this time. He did of course arrive as an opposition player in the summer when we face off against Midtjylland in the Champions League qualifiers.

Yet despite being knocked out by the Danes, there was still an overwhelming sense from the supporters that we needed better. That as solid and reliable as Sviatchenko was during his time in Glasgow, it was a time for fresh faces.

Sure, we can debate all day long whether Starfelt is as good as Sviatchenko. There will certainly be plenty of people who believe that isn’t the case. But going back to former faces always raises an eyebrow even if it holds sentimental value.

Instead, the experienced centre-back has stayed with Midtjylland and is having another fine season. 2 points ahead of Copenhagen, it looks as though Erik could be heaving for yet another title success.

It would’ve been interesting to see how Sviatchenko coped with the club’s new high-pressing style. He always carried some pace with him and you had to admire how easily he dealt with Odsonne Edouard in the summer.

But it wasn’t to be and all parties have now moved on. With Ange ultimately saying no, you can’t see the big Dane returning whilst our current manager is in place.

In other news, Hearts struck with big injury blow for Celtic as “aggressive” Taylor Moore to miss out