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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Celtic confirm Gustaf Lagerbielke transfer as Carl Starfelt replacement signed

Celtic have confirmed the transfer signing of Gustaf Lagerbielke.

The central defender, 23, joins Celtic from Swedish side Elfsborg.

Lagerbielke emerged as a serious transfer target after Carl Starfelt's exit for Celta Vigo last week.

And Brendan Rodgers has now landed his man with the defender penning a five-year deal at Celtic Park.

On his move, Lagerbielke said: “It feels really good, and I’m really excited and proud to be here.

“The first thing you think of when you hear the name ‘Celtic’ is obviously the fans, this stadium and the atmosphere the fans create here.

“And also, all the good players who have played here and who are playing here now, so I’m really excited to play with them and hopefully win a lot of games and titles.”

Rodgers added: “We are really pleased to finalise the deal for Gustaf to join the club.  

"He is an exciting, talented young player who has great attributes and someone who I think is ready for the challenges that Celtic will bring.  

"I know he is really hungry to achieve success with us. We think he will bring even more quality to our squad and we really look forward to working with him.”  

A Celtic statement confirmed: "Celtic are delighted to announce the signing of Swedish defender, Gustaf Lagerbielke, who has joined the club on a five-year deal from IF Elfsborg, subject to international clearance.

"The 23-year-old, who has spent his career to date playing in Sweden, has made 16 appearances in the Swedish league this season since it began back in April, making his final appearance for the club on Sunday, while he has also scored two goals.

"And in January this year, he won his first cap for the Swedish national side, playing in a friendly win over Iceland.

"Gustaf becomes the sixth player that Brendan Rodgers has brought to the club this summer, joining Marco Tilio, Odin Holm, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Yang Hyun-jun and Maik Nawrocki.

"Gustaf is the latest Swedish player to join Celtic, with his fellow countryman and fellow defender, Carl Starfelt, having just left the club earlier this month. And the new Bhoy will also wear the No.4 jersey.

"Henrik Larsson does, of course, lay claim to being Celtic’s most famous Swede, with the striker having netted 242 goals in 315 appearances for the club, while the other Swedish players are Johan Mjallby, Mikael Lustig, Magnus Hedman, Daniel Majstorović, John Guidetti and Freddie Ljungberg."

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