Celtic’s reported pursuit of Gustaf Lagerbiekle appears to be coming to an end after the player spoke out prior to Elfsborg’s defeat against Hammarby yesterday.
67 Hail Hail told how the 23-year-old defender was selected for and played the whole ninety minutes for the Allsvenskan side and post-match, he appeared to confirm that he may have played his last game for Elfsborg.
Lagerbiekle said [Aftonbladet], “I know that the clubs have been in negotiations, that’s what I know.”
And when pressed on whether he had played his last game for Elfsborg, the Swedish defender replied, “Perhaps. You don’t want to say anything until something is signed, but it may very well be so.
“I actually don’t have full control over it. I have tried to focus on the match as much as possible.
“It would be a fun challenge to come to a big club in Europe and play in the Champions League and hopefully win titles.
“It is a very big club with a good Swedish connection with Henrik Larsson, Starfelt, Lustig and Mjällby among others. They play in the Champions League every year and win titles.” [translated by Deep L]
Brendan Rodgers confirmed yesterday that he hoped to add a replacement for Carl Starfelt to the ranks at some point this week and Lagerbiekle’s confession does seem to suggest that he will be that man.
Speculation has been rife for two weeks now that Lagerbiekle will join the Hoops with reports suggesting that a fee and a medical had already been arranged between the player and both clubs.
The need to add another central defender has become more apparent after Cameron Carter-Vickers was taken off injured in yesterday’s 3-1 over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
That left Stephen Welsh as the only backup option and although he equipped himself well, doubts remain as to whether he is good enough to be a regular starter for the club.
No doubt we know over the coming days whether or not Lagerbiekle will become a Celtic player but one thing is for sure, we do need to strengthen the defence before the summer transfer window closes.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers pays Kyogo the ultimate compliment after the Celtic striker’s Pittodrie goal
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