Celtic require a defender for next season as Ange Postecoglou aims to find a replacement for the outgoing Kristoffer Ajer. According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Celtic have reached an agreement with Rubin Kazan to sign Swedish centre-back Carl Starfelt.
Celtic have reached an agreement with Rubin Kazan to sign Carl Starfelt, done deal and here we go. €5m as final fee – negotiations completed. Next target: Brandon Soppy. ⚪️? #Celtic
Official announcement soon for Starfelt, personal terms agreed as advanced one week ago. ?? https://t.co/2X9k2zqb48
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2021
Carl’s contract at the Russian side ran till the summer of 2024. His stats for the 20/21 season are quite impressive, he made 31 appearances for Kazan last season in all competitions and even managed to score three goals. Also, he has been capped three times for the national side after making his debut last year.
It was Romano who broke the news a week or so ago that Celtic were negotiating with Rubin Kazan to sign the Swedish defender and now it seems that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs. This move could be to facilitate the exit of Kristoffer Ajer, who is very likely to leave the club this summer.
Ajer has one more year in his current contract with Celtic. The 23-year-old has been a key asset for the Hoops backline since his arrival in 2016, his 44 appearances for the club last season is an example of his importance to the team, but now he looks set for a move towards the exit door.
Moreover, Swedish newspaper Expressen (via The Scottish Sun) have stated that all the details of the Carl Starfelt deal have been finalised and only the player’s medical remains to conclude the deal. The price is reported to be around €5m.
ALSO READ: Aaron Mooy to Celtic – How Close are Celtic to Securing This Transfer
Carl Starfelt brings with him the Scandinavian grit which helps him when attacking balls with his head. He won over 67 per cent of his aerial duels last season, which is among the top three in the Russian Premier League. The defender is also very quick on his feet with good speed, something Postecoglou would appreciate if he moves to Parkhead.
Celtic are certainly putting their full efforts to strengthen their squad this summer and if the transfer actually goes through, Postecoglou should be able to fill the gap at the back. It is clear that the Hoops are on a serious mission in the transfer market to reclaim the Premiership title from the Rangers after finishing last season with a gap of 25 points.
? Our new ???? ?⚪️
Welcome to #CelticFC, Liel Abada! ?#WelcomeAbada ?
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 14, 2021
The Celts have already signed Sheffield Wednesday stars Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide to bolster their defence. Adding Carl Starfelt to the squad will provide more instruments to operate in the back for Postecoglou. Meanwhile, Celtic have announced the signing of Israeli winger Liel Abada to boost their attacking department.
Postecoglou still has to make decisions on the future of some players before the start of next season. Uncertainty looms over the future of Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie, and Olivier Ntcham as they await the new manager’s strategy for next season.
Follow Scottish Daily for the latest Celtic Transfer News.