Celtic Grant Late Exit For Defender Ahead Of Deadline Day
30th September 2023; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Gustaf Lagerbielke of Celtic
August 26, 2024
Celtic have reportedly accepted a loan offer from Dutch side FC Twente for Gustaf Lagerbielke, marking the end of a frustrating spell for the Swedish defender at Parkhead. [Tubantia.nl]
The move, which is expected to be finalised before the transfer window closes on Friday, will grant Lagerbielke the exit he has been seeking this summer after struggling to secure a regular place in Brendan Rodgers’ plans.
Gustaf Lagerbielke
2nd January 2024; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Gustaf Lagerbielke of Celtic
Lagerbielke joined Celtic with high expectations but found it difficult to adapt and make an impression on the Celtic manager.M. Despite his professionalism and some notable performances, including a historic goal in the Champions League, Lagerbielke has been unable to cement his place in the squad.
Gustaf hasn’t made a squad this season so far despite being fit and would have continued to play no part in proceedings had he stayed.
FC Twente’s interest offers him a fresh start in the Eredivisie, where he will have the opportunity to regain form and confidence away from the pressures of Glasgow.
As Celtic look to recover the £3 million spent on the defender last year, this loan move could pave the way for a permanent transfer in the future, allowing both parties to move on.
For Brendan Rodgers, it’s more about who he can get in before the deadline, rather than what fringe players are heading out. There is still a lot to be done ahead of Friday.
Fans reaction to Matt O’Riley’s move to Brighton
Everyone at Celtic Park wishes Matt O’Riley every success in his move to English Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion.
The midfielder joined the Hoops in the winter transfer window of 2021/22 from Milton Keynes Dons, making his debut against Hearts at Tynecastle in a 2-1 win towards the end of January.
That was the first of his 124 Celtic games, during which he scored 27 goals. His first goal for the Hoops came in a 3-2 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie just a fortnight after his debut, while his last goal was on Trophy Day against St Mirren in May as he helped the Celts to a 3-2 victory at the end of a title-winning campaign.
The Danish internationalist leaves Celtic having lifted three Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup as well as sweeping the boards last season at the club’s Player of the Year awards by winning all three categories – Player, Young Player and Players’ Player of the Year.
A mark of his input over the past few seasons can also be seen in the number of assists he has accumulated over his time at Celtic – 35 in all.
Matt leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Celtic Park and the image above says it all – THANK YOU, MATT!
