Mikael Lustig is out of contract at Celtic in the summer but he believes he has a future in the Scottish Premiership under Brendan Rodgers?
Mikael Lustig is out of contract at the end of the season, past his best and rapidly becoming a weak link in the eyes of some Celtic supporters.
But, speaking to Expressen, the 71-time Sweden international clearly does not think his trophy-laden spell at Parkhead is coming to an end in the coming months.
“You can wonder as much as you can, but I have a contract with Celtic and I think I’ll play there next year, too,” said Lustig, who has made over 250 appearances since joining the Hoops from Rosenborg in 2011.
While Lustig obviously believes he still has plenty to offer, despite some far from convincing displays of late, particularly in the Europa League, it does not appear that manager Brendan Rodgers shares the right-back’s optimism.
It is no secret that Rodgers is looking for a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old. He tried and failed to sign Valencia’s Cristiano Piccini in the summer (Daily Record) and the Sun reported earlier this month that Celtic are set to renew their interest in the Iranian World Cup ace Milad Mohammadi.
The 25-year-old could be available on the cheap in January, given that his contract at Russian side Akhmat Grozny is soon coming to an end.
And, with youngster Tony Ralston waiting in the wings, Mohammadi will surely drill at least one nail into Lustig’s coffin should he arrive in January. Could the experienced defender be in for a rather unpleasant surprise?
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