---
title: "Celtic: Eric Sviatchenko open to Hoops return"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-eric-sviatchenko-open-to-hoops-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-06-27T17:35:24Z"
modified: "2021-06-27T17:35:24Z"
---

# Celtic: Eric Sviatchenko open to Hoops return

**Former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko has refused to distance himself on rumours linking him with a Parkhead return.**

### The Lowdown: Sviatchenko linked with Celtic return

Reports earlier this month suggested that the 29-year-old is in line for a return to Glasgow. Sviatchenko is thought to be on a [list of potential transfer targets](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/erik-sviatchenko-lined-up-celtic-24327124.amp?__twitter_impression=true) for new manager Ange Postecoglou.

He has a buyout clause in his FC Midtjylland contract and also is attracting interest from the Premier League, according to [The Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/erik-sviatchenko-lined-up-celtic-24327124.amp?__twitter_impression=true).

Should Sviatchenko remain with the Danish giants, he could well line up against Postecoglou in his first competitive game as Celtic boss after the [two clubs were drawn against each other in the Champions League qualifiers](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-fc-midtjylland-celtic-face-24330546).

[Celtic updates](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-7/)

### The Latest: Sviatchenko’s comments

Talking to Danish outlet [Tipsbladet](https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/eftertragtet-fcm-profil-interessen-er-der) regarding his future, cited by [Glasgow Live](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/erik-sviatchenko-admits-hes-open-20911736), Sviatchenko said: “It is always difficult to comment on such rumours. We’ll see what happens.”

He added:

> “Of course I also understand that Midtjylland is really happy that they have me, but we have also had a clear agreement and indication that when the right thing comes, I also get the chance for it.
>
> “But of course there must also be that interest. And the interest is there, but it has to go up in a higher level.
>
> “That’s why I always find it hard to comment on rumours. In two weeks there is suddenly something and then it is a new situation. It may also be that there is nothing.
>
> “But I have told my people that if the right thing comes, then of course I am really interested.
>
> “And if not, then I have also indicated that I am obviously motivated and ready for new times. So we have to see how it develops.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”359377″\]

### The Verdict: A smart move?

Sviatchenko won [six major honours](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/erik-sviatchenko/erfolge/spieler/48907) with the Hoops during his first stint at the club, so it’s safe to say he knows what it takes to succeed in Scotland.

Brendan Rodgers was a big fan of the centre-back when the ex-Hoops boss had him at the club, playing [45 times](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/erik-sviatchenko/leistungsdatentrainer/spieler/48907/plus/0/verein/371/trainer_id/1366) under his watch, and [praised him](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtics-erik-sviatchenko-hailed-pursuit-perfection-1461065) for conducting his own self-analysis during his time at Parkhead.

There should be space for him at Celtic this summer as well, especially if [Kristoffer Ajer gets his wish](https://twitter.com/arilasos/status/1400733868735488001) and leaves for a top-five league.

Sviatchenko’s experience could help fellow centre-backs Stephen Welsh and Christopher Jullien going forward, and it seems as if he hasn’t written off a Celtic return just yet.

***In other news: Postecoglou pushing Mario Vuskovic closer to Celtic move as news emerges, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-transfer-rumours/celtic-mario-vuskovic-deal-getting-closer/).***