FC Twente has confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Celtic for the loan transfer of Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke. Notably, the deal does not include an option for a permanent purchase. This move comes after Lagerbielke struggled to secure a regular spot in the Celtic lineup since his transfer from IF Elfsborg last year, where he managed only around 400 minutes over seven league appearances.
Several clubs expressed interest in signing Lagerbielke this summer, including SC Heerenveen, KV Mechelen, and Lecce, who had previously attempted to acquire him during the winter transfer window. Despite their efforts, FC Twente emerged victorious in securing the 24-year-old’s services.
In an interview with Twente’s official website, Lagerbielke revealed that a discussion with manager Joseph Oosting was pivotal in his decision to join the Dutch side. He expressed enthusiasm about the club’s storied history and recent successes, stating, “As soon as I learned of FC Twente’s interest, I was immediately intrigued. FC Twente is a club with a rich heritage and has enjoyed significant achievements over the past few years.”
Lagerbielke is optimistic about his upcoming stint at FC Twente, aiming for substantial playing time and a strong league finish. He also looks forward to competing in European matches, which he sees as an exciting opportunity for growth.
FC Twente’s technical director, Arnold Bruggink, shared his excitement about the acquisition, highlighting Lagerbielke’s defensive and offensive strengths. Bruggink noted, “With Gustaf Lagerbielke joining us, we have bolstered our defense significantly. He is a physically robust defender, adept both defensively and offensively, and his passing skills will be an asset in the Dutch league.”