Gustaf Lagerbielke’s future at FC Twente has taken a big hit after his side lost 3-2 at home to AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday night. The defeat was a major setback for Twente, who dropped to sixth place in the Dutch Eredivisie. AZ’s win saw them move above Twente into fifth, with just one game left in the league.

Twente now face a difficult end to the season. They play Ajax away in their final league game on Sunday. With European places on the line, the pressure is on. The result will decide not just their final league position but also who they’ll face in the playoffs for the Europa Conference League.

The Dutch league gives teams from fifth to eighth a second chance to make Europe. These teams go into a mini-playoff. Fifth plays eighth, and sixth plays seventh. The winners of those games then face off, and the final winner gets into the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League.

Twente’s spot in the top six isn’t safe yet. Go Ahead Eagles are just three points behind in seventh. If Twente lose to Ajax and Go Ahead win their game, they could swap places. That would mean a harder playoff path.

For Lagerbielke, his Twente future is on the line. He’s on loan from Celtic, who reportedly paid £3 million to sign him from Swedish side Elfsborg in 2023. Since moving to the Netherlands, he’s been a regular starter for Twente and has enjoyed steady game time—something he wasn’t getting in Glasgow.

His chances of staying at Twente next season seem to depend on whether they qualify for Europe. If they don’t, the Dutch club might not be able to afford the deal, or may not see it as worth it without the pull of European football.

Celtic, on the other hand, may be happy to cash in. Lagerbielke is still under contract but doesn’t appear to be part of Brendan Rodgers’ main plans. The Hoops have plenty of centre-backs already. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales are first-choice. Maik Nawrocki and Auston Trusty are also options.

If Twente fail to make Europe and don’t make a move permanent, Celtic will need to find another club willing to take Lagerbielke. A strong finish to the season, even in the playoff games, could help his cause. But right now, his situation looks uncertain.

The Ajax game is massive. A win could push Twente back into fifth and give them the easier route in the playoffs. A loss could see them drop further and face a much tougher playoff opponent.

That would be bad news for Lagerbielke, who wants to stay in the Netherlands. He’s done well enough in the Eredivisie to prove he can handle that level, but without European football, Twente might pass on making the deal permanent.

Celtic will be watching closely. They’ll want to get a decent fee for the Swedish defender if he moves on.