FC Twente confirm Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke’s future as they eye Rangers man as replacement

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Celtic will be welcoming back a number of players who were out on loan during the 2024/25 season.

But it was reported by Sky Sports that a chunk of them will be transfer listed by Celtic and will only return to Lennoxtown for a brief period of time.

The five named were Luis Palma, Stephen Welsh, Kwon, Marco Tilio and Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Lagerbielke enjoyed a successful loan spell at FC Twente as the club finished sixth in the Eredivisie, as they missed out on European qualification by 10 points.

The defender played 32 games across all competitions and managed to provide five goal contributions, which is rather good for a centre-back.

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Lagerbielke to return to Celtic from FC Twente loan

However, it has been confirmed by FC Twente that Lagerbielke will not be extending his stay in Holland, either on loan or permanently from Celtic.

And it has been sensationally revealed that they want to replace Lagerbielke with Rangers defender Robin Propper.

Arnold Bruggink, FC Twente’s technical director, told the podcast De Ballen Verstand: “Lagerbielke will most likely go back (to Celtic) too. That’s what it looks like at the moment.

“(We need) two central defenders, one of whom has to be a real leader, as far as I’m concerned. The profile you’re looking at is that of Robin Pröpper.

“You need a leader from the back, which will give you a lot more stability.”

Lagerbielke vs Robin Propper 2024/25 stats

It would appear that Lagerbielke being replaced by Propper would be a downgrade for FC Twente, particularly when comparing both players’ seasons.

Yes, Propper excelled as FC Twente’s captain before moving to Ibrox last summer, but he would be returning much lower in confidence.

The Scottish game does not suit Propper and he doesn’t enjoy the increased physicality compared to the Eredivisie, which allows defenders more space and time.

Perhaps the same goes for Lagerbielke, although he wasn’t given too much of a chance under Brendan Rodgers to show what he’s about.

Celtic paid around £3m to sign Lagerbielke from IF Elfsborg in 2023, so why not give the 25-year-old another shot at competing in the first-team squad?