Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Celtic will be in the market for a new defender if Carl Starfelt ends up leaving the Bhoys as expected.
The manager revealed in his matchday interviews that Starfelt could leave the club as early as next week, which is why he was excluded from today’s starting eleven against Ross County.
The worry for fans is that he wouldn’t be replaced, but Rodgers is adamant that he will be looking for a new defender to replace the Swedish international despite the recent arrival of Maik Nawrocki.
He said [The Scotsman]: “We would need to get another centre half. The whole idea was to have four that could be competitive, and if Carl was to go, we would bring in another one.
“He clearly probably felt it was time to move on. I have to say, he has been really respectful and has loved his time here. There are obviously certain conditions he has thought about in going to one of the top leagues, and economically it is hard [for Celtic to compete] on that side.
“Obviously his partner is no longer here anymore and has moved on. So there are a number of reasons why he would like to move on. I have to say he is a total professional, first class, and if it didn’t go through, I know I can rely on him. But I think it probably will.”
Ultimately Celtic can’t control whether a player wants to be in Glasgow or not. If Starfelt has indicated he wants to make an exit, the deal has to be completed. That’s the way modern football works.
What’s important now is that the club bring in a defender of the proper calibre who can immediately compete for first-team places. Rodgers wants four options, but three of real quality, with a Liam Scales or Stephen Welsh as back-up beyond that would suit many fans.
It’s heartening that the manager is being clear on this matter. Celtic aren’t axing Starfelt for no reason. It’s a situation that the club have been forced to address and they are doing so. Watch this space!
In other news, Nawrocki verdict, Kyogo’s new role; 3 things we learned as Celtic beat Ross County.
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