Mikael Lustig’s reported move from Celtic to Genk appears close.
The Daily Record reported earlier on today that the Swedish defender hasn’t been offered a new contract at Parkhead. Instead, he’s apparently been offered a medical today in Belgium.
This has left us all just waiting for confirmation that the deal has been completed. But, moving forward, Celtic now have a big problem on their hands as they fail to have any senior right-backs available.
The only current right-back available to the Hoops is the unproven Anthony Ralston. There’s no back-up as it stands, with Lustig set to join Jeremy Toljan and Cristian Gamboa in departing. And, reacting to today’s news, here’s a glimpse at some of the social media reaction:
https://twitter.com/championees/status/1140599276650868736
https://twitter.com/Paddywhitey707/status/1140592804541947904
https://twitter.com/Ryankennedy87/status/1140590868677701634
https://twitter.com/Anthony76119606/status/1140622984849305601
The job ahead is a big one
We all know how big a servant Lustig was to Celtic. But now, it’s about moving on and finally finding that upgrade we’ve been longing for some time.
But losing Lustig without having a replacement signed up would also be a little concerning too. Celtic, as it stands, now need two right-backs for the Champions League qualifiers should Lustig depart. With the first qualifying round starting in early July, we’re running out of time to do business before that period.
It’s surely highly-likely that the Hoops are able to lure one new right-back to the club at least. Going into the qualifiers with nobody outside of Ralston would be, quite frankly, a disgrace.
And, in all honesty, that’s just one of several positions Celtic need to strengthen before then. A new left-back would do nicely, whilst a couple of new centre-backs are musts as well. But talk continues to be quiet and no deal seems inevitable in terms of arrivals at this moment in time.
We all have to put some faith in the club, however. Lustig wouldn’t have departed if Celtic didn’t believe they could bring in at least one right-back before the Champions League qualifiers kick-off next month. Too much rides on it to take that risk.
Yes the back-line looks concerning at the moment, but it’s important we continue to give the club time. If we’re still in this same position come July 8th or so, then, by all means, the fans should let rip at the board. Celtic will also have to register their squad a few days before the first qualifier too. Last year, we had to register our squad five days before the first tie against Alashkert.
So there’s work to be done, but until the time comes, the club deserves the time to carry out that work.
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