Celtic’s defensive partnership at the heart of the back four has been solidified over the last month, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty starting last night against Bayern Munich at Celtic Park.
Liam Scales is third choice, running Trusty close for a spot in the starting XI, with Dane Murray returning from a successful loan spell at Queen’s Park in the first half of the season. Murray was rewarded with a start against Raith Rovers on Saturday, alongside Scales, who kept a clean sheet in a 5-0 win.
Stephen Welsh would join KV Mechelen on loan for the rest of the season in January, with Celtic having rejected a loan offer in the summer. The Hoops’ current four centre-backs therefore look set for the time being.
Gustaf Lagerbielke has fallen out of favour under Brendan Rodgers, despite the Irishman signing him in August 2023 for a reported fee of £4 million from Elfsborg. He was even named the Swedish Allsvenskan’s Defender of the Year after his time at the Swedish side in November 2023.
However, having only made 10 appearances in his first season at Celtic, he would join Eredivisie side FC Twente on loan for the rest of the season. To say Lagerbielke has been successful would be an understatement.
Lagerbielke has made a massive impact in Holland, particularly in the Europa League.
The Swedish centre-back scored the winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Malmö in January in Sweden, powering a header from a corner.
Lagerbielke’s goal helped secure Twente’s third, and the win was crucial in them finishing 23rd in the Europa League standings, earning a spot in the next round.
This has led to Celtic set to cash in on Lagerbielke in the summer, with the Daily Mail reporting that he seems unlikely to resume his career with the Scottish champions, despite a contract that runs until 2028.
The report also discussed the fact that Twente do not have an option to buy, meaning clubs across Europe will be looking to sign him in the summer, putting Celtic in a favourable position.
