Gustaf Lagerbielke has now indicated that he is open to joining a ‘big club’ in Celtic after the Scottish Premiership champions made a £3 million bid for the Elfsborg defender.
Speculation linking the Stockholm-born Sweden international with one of the biggest clubs in Britain has certainly captured the imagination in Scandinavia.
So much so that Gustaf Lagerbielke – seemingly a readmade replacement for the outgoing Carl Starfelt at Celtic – has been contacted by a number of different local publications in order to give his view on the situation. And he’s certainly not been shy in coming forward.
Speaking to BT earlier on Wednesday, Lagerbielke described Celtic’s interest as ‘an honour’.
And, in a follow up conversation with the Goteborgs Posten, the two-footed 23-year-old opened up on his desire to play Champions League football, while indicating that he is ready to grasp what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Celtic make £3m Gustaf Lagerbielke bid
“It’s great fun when such a big club is interested,” Lagerbielke explains. “Yes, all players in the Allsvenskan dream of going to better leagues and playing in the Champions League and for big clubs.
“(Celtic) play in both the Champions League and are a very big club. It is clear (moving there) would be very interesting. It is a big club with a lot of supporters and titles. It’s not often they buy from the Allsvenskan, and you don’t know how many such chances you get.”
Elfsborg’s sporting director confirmed Celtic’s ‘interest’ on Tuesday. Though he also added that nothing was imminent between the various parties despite reports of a £3 million bid (Expressen).
Lagerbielke is now backing up those claims.
“I try not to think about it so much. There is still a long way to go,” he adds. “If they don’t agree, then you have thought about it unnecessarily. Just try to think about training and doing your job.”
Labelled an ‘outstanding’ talent, Lagerbielke’s confidence in possession and his penchant for line-breaking passes should suit Brendan Rodgers’ build-from-the-back approach down to the ground.
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