Centre-back Erik Sviatchenko has been told he is free to leave Celtic in the January transfer window.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Sviatchenko said: “The manager has told me to find a new club. There have been clubs from several leagues who have contacted my agent. These are attractive clubs, so I’m looking forward to my future with optimism.
“My transfer value, of course, falls the less I play, but my qualities as a player don’t get worse…on the contrary. I feel I’ve developed a lot and I’m a far better player now than when I came to Scottish football.
“I have been happy with my stay in Celtic and Scotland, but I’m also pleased to be able to go to another club. I need to play regularly because I want to still have a chance of playing at the World Cup Finals in Russia. I accept it’s a small chance, but it can’t be ruled out that some of the established national team defenders get injured.”
Danish giants FC Copenhagen are reportedly interested in a January swoop for five-cap Denmark international Sviatchenko, who has spent two years at Parkhead.
Sviatchenko signed for the Hoops in a £1.5million deal from FC Midtjylland, and has made 63 appearances in his time at the club.
The 26-year-old enforcer has struggled with injury and fallen out of favour this season however, and has only made two appearances so far, both coming in the Champions League qualifiers.
Good move for Celtic?
With the club completing a £1million deal for German veteran enforcer Marvin Compper, it always looked likely that Sviatchenko was to be the one to make way in the squad.
The Dane has struggled badly this season and has never looked close to making a first-team return, and that has become basically impossible with Compper’s arrival.
The Hoops are also being linked with a move for Dundee defender Jack Hendry, and that worsens the situation even further for Sviatchenko.
A departure therefore suits both parties perfectly.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Sviatchenko’s departure looks pretty much nailed-on.
Copenhagen are showing interest, and Celtic will not be too tough on the transfer fee.
Expect this one to be confirmed pretty soon.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10