Since joining FC Twente on loan in August, Gustaf Lagerbielke has turned heads in the Eredivisie, earning back his reputation as a strong and reliable defender.
The Swedish centre-back, who joined Celtic from Elfsborg for £3 million in 2023, has made an impact in Holland that suggests Celtic could not only get back the £3 million they paid but potentially make a tidy profit when the summer transfer window opens.
A Central Figure in Twente’s Defence
Lagerbielke has quickly established himself as a key player for Twente, with 26 appearances this season, and two goals. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, with many fans and pundits praising his solid defensive work and leadership. The 24-year-old’s ability to organise the backline has been crucial in keeping Twente competitive in a tough league, and his reputation has skyrocketed as a result.
A Standout Performance in Europe
One of the standout moments for Lagerbielke so far this season came in the Europa League, where he earned widespread admiration for his commanding performance against Besiktas at home. In a display that left some Besiktas fans wondering if they were up against a Real Madrid defender, Lagerbielke showed that he is far more than just a promising defender. His ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and provide stability at the back has earned him plenty of praise across Europe, with a number of clubs now rumoured to be interested.
A Return to Form
The loan spell has allowed Lagerbielke to rediscover the form that earned him the Swedish Defender of the Year award during his time at Elfsborg. At Celtic, he struggled to make an impact, but at Twente, he’s become a key player this season. With the Dutch side sitting in fourth place in the Eredivisie, Lagerbielke’s importance to the team cannot be overstated.
Celtic’s Gustaf Lagerbielke is shown a red card by referee Irfan Peljto REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
Celtic’s Potential Profit
Celtic, who paid £3 million for Lagerbielke just over 18 months ago, now look set to get that money back, with the chance to make a bigger profit in the summer.
Celtic will almost certainly earn a strong profit, as they have with players like Alexandro Bernabei, Mikey Johnston, and Hyeongu Oh recently—three players who didn’t start every week during their time at the Hoops. As other clubs begin to show interest, Celtic could see a similar return on Lagerbielke. His strong performances in the Eredivisie have put him back on the radar of top European clubs, which could lead to a great profit for the Bhoys.
As things stand, Lagerbielke’s loan move is proving to be a win-win for both him and Celtic. For the Swedish defender, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase his defensive abilities, and for Celtic, it’s a chance to recover their investment and potentially make a profit from the player’s return to form in Holland.
