Celtic set to sign centre-back ‘soon’ after terms agreed – pundit
Celtic are ready to sign another centre-back to replace Carl Starfelt.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton insisted Brendan Rodgers won’t let one of his main central defenders leave without having a target ready.
On 6 August, Football Insider revealed that the 28-year-old has agreed personal terms with Celta Vigo and is set to finalise a move.
The Sweden international was granted permission by the Hoops to leave and complete a transfer to the Spanish club.
Speaking to Sky Sports (6 August), Rodgers admitted that Starfelt could leave the club in the current window.
The Hoops have already added Polish centre-back Maik Nawrocki to their defensive ranks and he made his competitive debut in the opening 4-2 win over Ross County last weekend (5 August).
When asked if Starfelt’s departure pushes a new centre-back to the top of Celtic’s list, Hutton told Football Insider: “Absolutely.
“I can’t imagine Brendan Rodgers allowing this to happen, letting part of his number one pairing go.
“If it does happen he will have something in the pipeline, especially when we have started the season. He won’t let one of his main centre-backs leave without having somebody ready to come in and replace him.
“As soon as it is done I would expect an incoming.“
Starfelt joined the Hoops from Rubin Kazan in 2021 and has made 87 appearances for the Scottish champions since his arrival.
The Swede cemented himself as number one centre-back last season alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in a campaign that saw them claim a domestic treble.
In other news, according to Kieran Maguire, Celtic ‘guarantee success’ as new £21m payout confirmed.