If a recent report from the Daily Record is believed to be true, Celtic are considering a summer move for Erik Sviatchenko. It might come as a surprise though as the Danish centre-half left Parkhead for boyhood club FC Midtjylland just a few years ago. Coincidentally, the Hoops have been drawn against his current side in the upcoming UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
The 29-year-old Denmark international was a low-key signing when he completed a £1.5m move in the winter of 2016. He earned an immediate first-team status under Ronny Deila and continued to feature frequently following Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as the new Celtic chief. He was integral to their domestic treble triumph back in 2016-17 with 43 appearances across competitions, but a knee ligament damage early into the 2017-18 campaign ruled him out of action for around three months.
Sviatchenko slipped down the pecking order after Kristoffer Ajer’s emergence and returned to Middle Jutland to start afresh. However, the new twist in the tale might see him reclaim his starting role after all these years by replacing the Norwegian who is now expected to part ways amid interest from top European outfits.
Why An Incredible Return Should Not Be Written Off
Celtic are set to undergo a process of reconstruction under new boss Ange Postecoglou. There would be many key exits in the coming days and the gaffer must bolster the set-up, particularly in deep defence. An ambitious loan move for Shane Duffy turned out to be a nightmare as the Brighton & Hove Albion star has been sent back to the south coast after his horror show at Celtic Park. Christopher Jullien remained sidelined for months with a knee injury and the crisis at the back led to the rise of young academy prodigy Stephen Welsh, who was immense alongside Ajer.
Nir Bitton has often slotted in as a centre-back under Lennon, but the experienced Israel international might finally return to his homeland after 8 years in Glasgow. New signing Liam Shaw should be viewed as a central midfield option despite his occasional presence in the heart of the Sheffield Wednesday backline.
The former Celtic fans’ favourite, Erik Sviatchenko, is well attuned to the grind and demand of the Scottish game. Although Midtjylland narrowly missed out on the Superligaen title to Brondby, his experience and leadership traits received plaudits both at home as well as abroad. It is to be seen now whether the transfer takes place in due time and whom Sviatchenko represents in the next month’s meeting.
