The loss of Shane Duffy back to Brighton and Hove Albion hasn’t exactly affected Celtic, bar the obvious fact that it is one centre-back less than what they had last season. The potential loss of Kristoffer Ajer, however, will be a huge loss for the club – something which Celtic are instantly looking to replicate.
Carl Starfelt, of Russian outfit Rubin Kazan, has been billed by arguably the most reliable transfer journalist out there – Fabrizio Romano – as Ajer’s replacement; with the Italian claiming that an opening bid is set to be made to The Volzhane in the coming days.
It would be one Scandinavian defender in and one Scandinavian defender out, of course. With Ajer being a key part of the Norway set up, Starfelt can match Ajer given the 3 caps he has amassed for Sweden in the last year – so at least Celtic would be replacing the international experience that Ajer holds.
Celtic are in direct contact to negotiate personal terms with Swedish centre back Carl Starfelt as potential Ajer replacement. Opening bid set to be made to Rubin Kazan and talks now started. ⚪️🟢 #Celtic #RubinKazan
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2021
At 6″1, Starfelt has nowhere near the height or domineering presence that Ajer has; however, with just under 180 appearances at the age of only 26, Starfelt has his best years ahead of him yet – therefore, he will be seen by Ange Postecoglou as a like for like replacement.
It remains to be seen how large the size of the bid that Celtic have offered Kazan, although it would more than likely be less than the reported £12million or so that Ajer is set to bring into the Celtic coffers.
In the words of Romano, watch this space for a “Here we go!” – Starfelt could be a Celtic player very soon…
According to our sources at @SportExpressen Celtic is ready to pay around £4 m to Rubin Kazan. 10% of the transfer fee will go to Starfelt’s former club IFK Göteborg. https://t.co/rlpbotmaIc
— Anel Avdić (@AnelAvdic) July 6, 2021
