GUSTAF LAGERBIELKE has knocked back a loan move to Malmo.
The frozen-out Celtic defender, who cost £3million when he arrived from Elfsborg last summer, rejected the opportunity because he didn’t want to make a quickfire return to his homeland, according to a report in local media Expressen.
The Swedish international centre-back seemed a natural successor to compatriot Carl Starfelt as he prepared for life in La Liga with Celta Vigo.
An early injury and a dismissal against Feyenoord in the 2-0 opening-day Champions League loss in September marred his early days at Parkhead.
DISAPPOINTED…Gustaf Lagerbielke has that sinking feeling after Celtic’s 1-0 League Cup loss to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last August.
With the advent of Liam Scales as partner to Cameron Carter-Vickers in the middle of the rearguard, Lagerbielke’s opportunities were limited.
The 24-year-old defender, under contract until June 2028, made 10 appearances and scored one goal – ironically the winner against Feyenoord as he took personal revenge for his red card in Rotterdam.
Lagerbielke was with the Hoops squad for the three-game trip to The States, but hasn’t figured in the two matchday squads against Kilmarnock (4-0) and Hibs (2-0) as the champions got their bid for four in a row off the ground.
Malmo have already done business with Celtic this summer after signing Sweden-born winger Sead Haksabanovic in a £1.8million deal in June.
However, Lagerbielke could STILL leave Parkhead before the August 30 deadline.
Several clubs in the English Championship have been monitoring his situation and there could be movement over the next 17 days.
