Carl Starfelt - Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v Motherwell - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - May 14, 2022 Celtic's Carl Starfelt celebrate winning the Scottish Premiership with the flag of Sweden Action
Celtic have a fight on their hands to keep hold of Carl Starfelt, with Fabrizio Romano claiming a number of Premier League clubs are interested in signing him.
The Lowdown: Starfelt a key man for Celtic
The 27-year-old has been an excellent signing by the Hoops, arriving from Rubin Kazan in 2021 and playing a big role in their success under Ange Postecoglou.
Starfelt has made 15 appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season, as well as one in the Champions League, and he has averaged 4.9 clearances per game in the former.
The Swede’s current Celtic contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2025 but it looks as though they could struggle to keep hold of him until then.
The Latest: PL clubs keen on signing
Taking to Twitter, Romano said that Premier League clubs are keen on snapping up Starfelt, with the Hoops hellbent on retaining his services:
“Celtic central defender Carl Starfelt, one to watch in the summer as Premier League clubs are following him as possible option for next window.
“Scottish club will try to keep him as he’s considered an important player for Celtic.”
He is not the only player wanted below the border, with Crystal Palace also recently scouting Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Verdict: Would be a big blow
Starfelt has become such an important player for Celtic – John Kennedy recently hailed his ‘big impact’ at Parkhead – so the thought of losing him this summer is a concerning one, especially as he is still only 27.
The five-cap Sweden international has forged a strong partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of Postecoglou’s defence and the hope is that they both stay for years to come, having won the title together last season.
The lure of the Premier League is great for most players, given the quality and money on show, so Starfelt could find it hard to say no if a big offer comes calling.
Should that happen, it is essential that Celtic get as much money as possible for his services, with his current contract situation putting them in a relatively strong bargaining position.
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