After the expressen report earlier this morning about Carl Starfelt’s imminent move to Celtic, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed this is the case and an announcement will be made shortly.
The Hoops have not signed any first team players as of yet; it looks like Carl will be Celtic’s first major signing under Ange Postecoglou.
Romano reports:
Celtic have reached an agreement with Rubin Kazan to sign Carl Starfelt, done deal and here we go. €5m as final fee – negotiations completed. Next target: Brandon Soppy. ⚪️🟢 #Celtic
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2021
Official announcement soon for Starfelt, personal terms agreed as advanced one week ago. 👇🏻 https://t.co/2X9k2zqb48
Starfelt, 26, joined Rubin Kazan in 2019 and has made 42 appearances for the club; scoring three goals.
The defender has agreed personal terms and will undergo a medical in Russia before Celtic confirm the signing.
Celtic are in dire need of a centre-back, the hoops are so short in defence and Kristoffer Ajer will likely leave in the next month or so.
Starfelt’s signing looks like it comes too late for him to be part of the first Euro squad of the season, depending on his fitness the Swede could see action in the second leg.
The club have also been chasing winger Liel Abada with reports in Israel from One.co claiming the club are also close to concluding that deal.
Verdict
Starfelt should fit in well at Celtic and will most likely be ready for the start of the SPFL season.
He looks strong and the type of defender Ange Postecoglou is looking for.
We can only hope he hits the ground running.
