GUSTAF LAGERBIELKE couldn’t hide his frustration when he was told his loan move to Lecce may be on the verge of collapse.
The Swedish international centre-back was poised to agree a short-term switch with the Serie A side before being given the news of a fresh injury scare for Hoops back-four rock Cameron Carter-Vickers, as CQN reported earlier today.
Lagerbielke had been given the green light by the champions to sign for the Italian club for the remainder of the season with Brendan Rodgers satisfied with his central defensive options.
At that stage it looked as though Carter-Vickers had fully overcome his troublesome hamstring strain while Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh were also in contention for the berths in the middle of the champions’ rearguard.
THREE CHEERS…Gustaf Lagerbielke is flanked by Joe Hart and Maik Nawrocki as they acknowledge the Celtic fans after the 3-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley in the first game of 2024.
Lagerbielke, who was signed from Elfsborg for £3million in the summer, has failed to hold down a permanent slot and it was believed a loan switch to Lecce would offer him some much-needed game-time.
With the proposed move now at an apparent standstill, the 23-year-old left-sided defender, speaking to Italian media, said: “Lecce has shown a very strong interest in me.
“I want to go, play and make a difference.
“All footballers dream of playing in the big leagues. And I have dreamed of Serie A since I was a child. Many Scandinavian footballers have played in Lecce, this would be an advantage in terms of settling in.”
