Gustaf Lagerbielke has posted an emotional farewell to FC Twente supporters as he prepares to return to Celtic following a season-long loan in the Netherlands.
The Swedish defender enjoyed a productive stint in the Eredivisie, making 32 appearances and completing the full 90 minutes in more than half of those outings.
Taking to Instagram, Lagerbielke said: “Tukkers, from the first day arriving in Enschede, I felt at home. Every day I drove to the training ground in Hengelo, I felt excitement. Every day I was around the team and the staff, I felt joy. Every day I put on the Twente shirt, I felt proud. Every day I played in front of you supporters, I felt honoured. And today I feel grateful. Grateful for all of you and for letting me be a part of your family. Bedankt.”
The 25-year-old joined Celtic last summer but struggled to make an impact at Parkhead. Despite initial hopes that he would provide strong competition at centre-back, his opportunities were limited under Brendan Rodgers.
Sources have confirmed that a permanent switch to FC Twente is off the table, with the Dutch club unwilling to meet Celtic’s valuation. However, Lagerbielke is expected to move on from the Hoops in this window, with interest building from clubs across Europe, as CeltsAreHere reported on our Substack last week.
Having recently changed representation to an agency with previous success in brokering exits from Celtic, Lagerbielke’s departure now looks a matter of when, not if.
Celtic will look to bring in at least one centre-half this summer, with a long-term partner for Carter-Vickers still to be brought into the club. Liam Scales and Auston Trusty have been battling it out, and although the Irishman appears to be favoured, he can be improved upon.
