Gustaf Lagerbielke, the Swedish defender currently on loan at FC Twente from Celtic, has expressed contentment with his situation at the Dutch club, stating he prefers to concentrate on his football without regular communication from his parent club.
Having moved to Celtic Park last year on a five-year contract, Lagerbielke faced limited playing time under manager Brendan Rodgers. Following this frustrating season, the decision to join Twente on loan has proven to be beneficial for his career. "I don't hear much from Celtic; they probably have other things on their minds. Me too. I'm concentrating on Twente," Lagerbielke commented, as reported by Twenteinsite.
Since arriving at Twente, Lagerbielke has made 22 appearances across all competitions, becoming integral to the team's success. His performances have helped Twente maintain strong form, both domestically and in the Europa League, where they currently hold a 2-1 lead against Bodø/Glimt on aggregate.
Despite his promising stint at Twente, there are prospects for the defender's future beyond this season. The Dutch club has shown interest, with reports indicating they made attempts to negotiate a permanent deal with Celtic's management, though these initial offers have been turned down. Twente's technical director, Arnold Bruggink, has noted the club's desire to keep Lagerbielke long-term.
“I will wait and see. Everything is still open. It's not always the player who can make the decisions. But I'm happy here and the club is great for me. I enjoy playing here, the family feeling, the atmosphere at De Grolsch Veste,” Lagerbielke said during recent interviews.
The defender highlighted the electric atmosphere created by Twente's supporters, recalling how the crowd's energy, even against strong opponents like Besiktas, often rivaled the famed Old Firm matches he experienced during his time with Celtic. “The noise during our match against Besiktas was comparable to the Old Firm. It was amazing,” he reflected.
With over two years remaining on his contract with Celtic, both Lagerbielke and fans are curious about the potential for his return or if Twente would succeed in negotiating his permanent transfer. The player stated, “From Celtic, I don’t hear much; they probably have other things on their minds. So do I. I’m focusing on Twente.”
Lagerbielke also emphasized his larger goal of representing Sweden at the 2026 World Cup, stating, “A big goal for me is to play at the World Cup next year. I was part of the selection last time, but the competition is tough. If I keep performing well here, I’ll also get my chances with the national team.”
Reflecting on his career, Lagerbielke noted the wisdom gained from moving cities across Europe, mentioning he has lived in six different locations over six years. “You learn a lot from living in different places, and it’s also part of my motivation as a professional: I want to explore new environments, learn about cultures,” he conveyed.
Settling comfortably within the friendly Dutch community of Enschede, Lagerbielke appreciates how the local culture has embraced him. “I like Enschede very much. Everything works, the people are open and friendly. They speak English well,” he said, indicating how well he has adapted to life there.
With the Europa League match against Bodø/Glimt fast approaching, all eyes will be on Lagerbielke to deliver yet another strong performance. Celtic fans can look on with interest, as their former player continues to develop and make his mark at Twente.
Lagerbielke's perseverance and current success serve as reminders of the unpredictable yet often rewarding nature of professional football as he navigates his path toward fulfilling his dreams.