Gustaf Lagerbielke has sealed a season-long loan move from Celtic to FC Twente this morning as the Swedish defender looks to kick start his career.
Lagerbielke has struggled to make his mark at Celtic ever since his £3m move from Elfsborg last summer and has made just ten appearances under Brendan Rodgers.
Hereenveen were thought to be in the driving seat to sign the Swedish international defender as Lagerbielke was said to be in advanced talks with the Eredivisie side.
However, we discussed yesterday how FC Twente’s interest came to the fore with Brendan Rodgers waiting to sanction a move for Lagerbielke as Friday’s transfer deadline approached.
And in an announcement on social media this morning, Celtic confirmed that Lagerbielke made the move to Twente on loan:
Lagerbielke ‘immediately’ wanted to join Twente
The Dutch club also announced the temporary transfer this morning and as the move sunk in, Lagerbielke explained why he was ‘immediately interested’ as soon as FC Twente’s interest became apparent.
Speaking on FC Twente’s official website, Lagerbielke said, “When I heard about FC Twente’s interest, I was immediately interested.
“FC Twente is a club with a rich history and the team has achieved good success in the last four years.
“After my conversation with the coach, I got a good idea of the plans and I wanted to go to FC Twente.
“Next season I hope to play as much as possible, to finish as high as possible with FC Twente in the league. Of course, I’m also looking forward to the races in Europe.”
Lagerbielke joins the Dutch side for a season-long loan and the deal does not include an option-to-buy when it expires next summer.
Arnold Bruggink praises ‘physically strong’ Celtic defender
Twente manager, Arnold Bruggink, seems delighted with the signing of Lagerbielke and talked up the Celtic defender’s passing as well as his defensive qualities.
Bruggink said, “With the arrival of Gustaf Lagerbielke, we have the desired reinforcement for our defence and thus the central positions well occupied.
“Gustaf is a physically strong defender who is strong both defensively and offensively and has a good pass.
“He is comfortable on the ball and fits well in the Dutch league.”
Hopefully, the big Swede will get the first-team football he desperately needs and gets the chance to prove that he was worth the £3m Celtic paid for him last summer.
Coming up against some of the most skilful attackers in the Dutch league will be a good test for Lagerbielke and with Europa League football to look forward to, the season ahead promises to be a good one for the on-loan Celtic defender.
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