Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko claims Leicester City wanted him in January.
Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko celebrates
Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko has revealed to The Scottish Sun that Leicester City did want to sign him in January, but he wanted to stay in Glasgow.
Former Bhoys manager Ronny Deila was keen to bring in defensive reinforcements during the January 2016 transfer window, and he used his knowledge of Scandinavian football to bring Sviatchenko to the club.
Previously a key part of the Midtjylland side which won the Danish Superliga title in 2015, Sviatchenko arrived to solidify Deila’s defence, and he did just that as he helped Celtic win the Scottish Premiership title last season.
This term, Sviatchenko has remained a regular under Deila’s replacement Brendan Rodgers, making a total of 33 appearances, and it appears that his performances have triggered interest in his signature.
Over the years, impressing for Celtic has led to Premier League moves for many players; Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster and Virgil van Dijk all earned moves to Southampton, whilst Ki Sung-yueng and Gary Hooper joined Swansea City and Norwich City respectively.
Now, Sviatchenko has revealed to The Scottish Sun that Premier League champions and current relegation candidates Leicester City wanted to sign him in January, possibly handing him a move alongside fellow Dane Kasper Schmeichel.
Sviatchenko claims he never wanted to leave, as he is playing regularly at Celtic, and believes Celtic Park is the perfect place for him to flourish, telling his agent that he was happy to stay with the Bhoys.
Sviatchenko did though add that his dream is to play in the Premier League, meaning a future move to England could be on the cards if he continues to impress in the famous green and white hoops.
Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko looks dejected
“Yes, I was aware,” said Sviatchenko when asked about January interest. “I’m always aware when my agent is having some talks, but there has to be more than just talks. There was concrete interest but not a concrete offer. Was it Leicester? Yes.”
“I had a really good year here and my agent was over talking about the future. There was never an issue about me wanting to leave. I’m 25, I want to play regularly and here is the perfect place to flourish and find your A game. I said I was happy where I am. It was too early for me at that stage. It is a dream for every player, including myself, to play at the very top level.”
“The English Premier League is one of the highest levels you can play at. But the experience so far, with the Champions League and how we play, means I think I am at the right stage at the moment. It is future talk. I would be honest and transparent and say that my dream is to play in the Premier League. But I am not saying I want to do it now because I have more than enough to do yet. I feel I have come a long way but I am not done at all yet,” he added.
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