There was a flurry of transfer activity over the summer at Celtic, and that involved both incoming and outgoings. In the first team, there were a few departures of note, one of those being that of Carl Starfelt.

The Swedish central defender left for Spanish La Liga side Celta Vigo in a move that was greatly unexpected. The club brought in around 5 million euros for Starfelt, who has gone from strength to strength on the continent.

His performances in Vigo have been up to the mark and recently, he was named as a co-captain of his club, despite being there for only a few months. Starfelt joined Spain international Iago Aspas and right-back Kevin Vazquez in the role.

On the appointment, his manager Rafa Benitez said (Glasgow Times): “We were looking for a profile that is professional both on and off the field, who can be a good example to help young people and Carl is ideal to join the two others as captains of the club.”

At 28 years of age, Starfelt is no spring chicken in football terms and is now considered in his prime. He has vast experience in the game and when he was at Celtic, he would’ve undoubtedly acted as a role model for the younger members of the squad.

It would have been disappointing for many supporters to see the treble-winning defender depart, but in the present day and when at full strength, the Celts have many reliable options at the heart of the defence.