Gustaf Lagerbielke’s move away from Celtic didn’t draw much noise at the time, but his form since leaving has started to turn heads again. The Swedish defender has settled at Braga and looks far more comfortable in a side that asks him to defend his box and attack the ball.
There have been a few standout nights along the way. Braga’s 4-0 win over Ferencváros in Europe was one of them, with Lagerbielke part of a defence that dealt with everything thrown at it. That was against a side managed by Robbie Keane, who has been linked with Celtic himself.
His international form has added to that. Sweden’s push to reach the World Cup saw him step up in a big moment, scoring in the play-off win over Poland. For a centre-back, that kind of contribution stands out.
It all feeds into a wider picture. Celtic moved him on quickly, but the player now looks settled, playing regularly, and building momentum at both club and international level.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Gustaf Lagerbielke’s situation, with interest building after the defender’s recent form for both Braga and Sweden.
🚨🇸🇪 Paris FC tried to sign Gustaf Lagerbielke in January, SC Braga didn’t want want to sell him.
More bids expectee this summer from top 5 leagues after his performances with Braga and Sweden, also scoring against Poland. pic.twitter.com/9P46EkT1Wg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 2, 2026
Braga’s decision to keep him in January now looks well judged. They’ve had a defender available who can handle European games and deal with physical forwards, something he showed clearly in that win over Ferencváros.
For Celtic, it raises a fair question. The squad has had its issues at centre-back this season, with injuries and rotation breaking up any real consistency. In that context, moving Lagerbielke on so quickly looks open to debate.
He might not have been perfect during his time in Glasgow, but defenders often need a run of games to settle. At Braga, he’s had that, and the difference shows in his performances.
With interest building again, this time from clubs in the top leagues, his next move could come quickly. Celtic won’t be part of that conversation, but his recent form will not have gone unnoticed.
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One Response
Have you seen him play at Braga/Sweden ? They play with a back 3 which means that there is cover to mask his lack of recovery pace. We play a high press high defensive line, which exposed his problem. If you just want a defender to defend his box then he is fine .. I was at the Braga/Porto match the other day and he got absolutely roasted by the Porto winger (A 17 yr old that they signed in the january window, who made his FULL Polish debut the other day), He was so out done for pace that he was lucky to only receive a yellow card as the only way to stop him was to elbow him in the face. As I said a good defender especially in a 3 man set up but as 1 of a 2 in a back 4.. most scouts would run a mile.