Exclusive: Mikael Lustig’s Verdict on Gustaf Lagerbielke’s Celtic Loan Exit

Celtic central defender Gustaf Lagerbielke departed the club on loan during the summer transfer window after a tumultuous first year in Glasgow.

Despite making a strong start to his Hoops’ career, Lagerbielke fell out of favour and went on to make just 10 appearances last term.

His recent loan exit to FC Twente is best for all parties, according to the defender’s fellow Swede, Mikael Lustig.

The former Celtic hero thinks the number of centre-backs in the squad didn’t help Lagerbielke but admitted he could come back and challenge for a place following his spell in the Netherlands.

“He got a good start by playing a lot of Games,” Lustig exclusively told CeltsAreHere.com.

“But Celtic is a big club. We have a lot of centre-halves. CCV (Cameron Carter-Vickers) has been brilliant, and so have other guys.

“It’s the best for Gustaf and Celtic to get him on loan to the Netherlands.”

Other than a last-minute winner against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League, Lagerbielke didn’t have much to shout about from his maiden year in Glasgow.

The Sweden internationalist came in from Elfsborg last summer with high hopes but never kicked on.

Despite not picking him to play, manager Brendan Rodgers has never failed to praise the 24-year-old’s work ethic.

It remains to be seen whether he has a long-term future with the champions, but Lustig hopes Lagerbielke can come back and challenge for a place after a successful loan spell, as Ryan Christie and Liam Scales have previously done.

“We’ve seen that before with a lot of players,” he said.

“We need more Swedish guys in Celtic for sure!”

Lagerbielke could make his Twente debut when they face PEC Zwolle next weekend.

Lustig and Celtic will be watching on with a keen eye as the defender looks to rebuild himself.

Lagerbielke’s last 12 months haven’t gone according to plan, but his Dutch move provides a fresh start.