Mikael Lustig is out of contract at Celtic at the end of the season, and is reportedly attracting attention from AIK.
Mikael Lustig has told Expressen that there is nothing in the rumours linking him with a move to AIK, insisting that he still plans to stay at Celtic if he is offered a fresh contract.
The right-back’s terms at Parkhead run out at the end of the season. And with his form arguably dipping well below the standards that he has previously set with the Hoops, there has been plenty of speculation regarding whether he will be offered a new deal.
Expressen reports that AIK are keen to bring the 32-year-old back to Sweden in the summer. But, while AIK and Lustig could begin talks whenever they like, he has insisted that his first choice option remains to stay at Celtic.
“There’s really nothing to say there, because it’s nothing,” he told Expressen when asked about AIK.
“I have a contract with Celtic and hope to extend here. The ball lies with them. If they want me to continue, I will stay here.”
Lustig has not been the player this season that he once was. But it would be difficult to suggest that he is not still the best right-back in the current squad.
Anthony Ralston has enjoyed a bright couple of months. And some may argue that the youngster should be the understudy if Brendan Rodgers signs a marquee option in that area of the pitch that would immediately improve the Bhoys’ strongest side.
But if Celtic can find a way to improve their options and keep Lustig in the ranks for another year, that would arguably be an excellent move. Even if he is not as influential on the pitch as he used to be, he is still going to be an incredibly tough player to replace.
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