Celtic are reportedly set to have a long-term issue resolved next week in the form of Mikael Lustig’s contract.
The Swedish defender has been well-known to be out-of-contract since the end of last season. But with international commitments taking priority recently, the situation still hasn’t been sorted.
But, according to the Scottish Sun, Lustig is finally set to make a decision on his future next week. Sweden will host Spain in a Euro 2020 qualification match on Monday. After that, Celtic’s number one right-back is set to make his decision.
The Sun believes that Neil Lennon wants to keep Lustig around. Interestingly, however, Celtic apparently don’t see him as being the number one choice in his position either next season. Whether that has an effect on Lustig remains to be seen.
The Sun also states that Lustig has plenty of suitors in his homeland. The likes of Malmo, AIK, and others are apparently interested. It’s fair to say that our veteran is in demand this summer if we can’t strike an agreement.
No disaster either way
No matter what happens here, it won’t be particularly bad news for Celtic. If Lustig truly isn’t going to be first-choice next season, then that’s great news for the supporters. Celtic need to upgrade in that position, and knowing Lustig’s best days are behind him, it seems like the club are also aware of this.
After all, Celtic did sign Jeremy Toljan back in January from Borussia Dortmund on loan. Everyone would’ve expected him to take Lustig’s place down the right and keep it. But his poor performances meant that Lustig got himself back into the frame and won his place back. At the very least, however, it was a sign the club realised something had to be done at right-back.
And if a deal is agreed between Lustig and Celtic, then fans will be pleased knowing that it isn’t as first-choice.
On the other hand, if Lustig doesn’t sign up then that’s hardly a disaster either. It would simply mean that Celtic could then fresh things up and bring in two right-backs to vie for the position.
If Lennon truly does want to keep Lustig at the club, however, then it’s no surprise. He was the one who signed him back in 2011, and has played him in every big game since he became manager second time around.
It seems to be in Lustig’s hands. All eyes will now be on what the Swede thinks.
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