Carl Starfelt breaks silence on Celtic transfers as Celta Vigo player offers optimistic verdict on future

An upbeat Carl Starfelt has played down speculation he could leave Celta Vigo – as talk intensifies over a potential return to Celtic just 12 months after leaving the club.

The centre-back ended two years in the Scottish Premiership last summer by signing a four-year deal with the La Liga club. But rumours in Spain claim his future at the club is now uncertain following the arrival of Claudio Giraldez. Rafa Benitez, who brought the Sweden international to the club, was shown the door last season due to the relegation battle.

The former Liverpool boss has been replaced by Giraldez and rumours in Spain suggest Starfelt is not part of the manager’s plans as he wants a different type of centre-back – with Brendan Rodgers’ side touted as a potential destination after his £5m exit last summer. The speculation has intensified amid speculation over Gustaf Lagerbielke’s future at the club – with Starfelt and his compatriot reportedly sharing the same agent.

It appears Blash Hosseini is looking to find a new home for the 29-year-old and could find a way back to Celtic – while sealing Lagerbielke’s departure. However, the defender appears in no rush to leave Spain this summer.

Pressed to discuss the uncertainty surrounding his future after struggling to hold down a regular job under the new boss, Starfelt remained defiant about his future in Spain. He said Football channels: ” I was benched for three games towards the end of the season. I think I showed in practice that I was going to play. I didn’t give up or hang up. Then I got my chance and I played well. I don’t give up.