Swedish ace Starfelt checks in at Celtic as Ajer heads south
Carl Starfelt has joined Celtic from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal, the club has announced – replacing Kris Ajer’s whose £13.5 million move to Brentford has been confirmed.
The 26-year-old will fortify Ange Postecoglou’s defence which has been further weakened by the departure of Ajer – the Norwegian’s deal was confirmed at the English Premier League new boys just minutes before the arrival of the Swedish international centre-back.
Starfelt’s deal has been much discussed over the past 10 days and a clip on the player’s Instagram account hinted a move was imminent last night as he tuned in to Celtic’s 1-1 draw with FC Midtjylland.
Celtic boss Postecoglou said: “I am pleased agreement has been reached and we are looking forward to Carl joining up with the squad.
“Carl is an experienced player and someone with the attributes to be a real success at Celtic.
"He is a strong, athletic and
committed defender and will add quality to our squad. I am sure he will be a player our supporters will welcome warmly and someone who will be really important for us going forward.”
Starfelt has three international caps – all picked up last season during his second season in Russia – and his deal will result in a sell-on clause for previous club IFK Gothenburg.
He will replace Ajer in the Celtic backline after a £13.5m deal was completed with Brentford.
The Norwegian had less than a year left on his contract and made it clear he wished to leave after five successful years with the Hoops.
The 23-year-old joined from
Start in the summer of 2016 and was quickly converted from an attacking central midfielder into a centre-back, which he refined in a loan move to Kilmarnock.
In total he made 170 appearances, becoming a key member in three of Celtic’s four consecutive trebles and even picked up the club’s player of the year honour from the disappointing 2020/21 campaign.
Celtic said: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club wishes Kristoffer every success in his future career down south and thank him for his role in the club’s success in recent years.”