This season, Celtic’s transfer policy has undoubtedly been scrutinized. Both the incomings and one specific departing have come under intense scrutiny.
Amidst speculations that he wanted to be nearer to his partner Jancynta Galabadaarachchi, who departed to join Portuguese team Sporting CP, Carl Starfelt left Celtic last summer to join Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo.
The Swedish international refuted the claim, stating that although having Jacynta close by would be beneficial, his decision was ultimately made for football-related reasons.
Given that Cameron Carter-Vickers had recently undergone knee surgery, some people at the time criticized Celtic for allowing Starfelt to leave.
Both Gustav Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki were brought in as replacements, but as everyone is aware, neither has really impressed the team thus far.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that, given all of our back-row problems, Celtic may have regretted letting Starfelt go last summer.
But given all that has transpired at his new club since his departure from Celtic, it’s possible that Starfelt is the one who should be reflecting on his departure and questioning his decision.
Ange Postecoglou called the 28-year-old “excellent.” He has made 25 appearances for the Spanish club and has been a constant in Rafa Benitez’s lineup since making a strong debut in the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.
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After that, Starfelt played in the center of the Celta defense for 14 games, but as his career in Spain began to go south, the La Liga team won just one, lost seven, and drew six of those games.
Following that run, Benitez substituted Starfelt, and Celta won their first game shortly before the Swede had a thigh injury that sidelined him for three weeks. [Transfermarkt]
Nevertheless, Celta’s performance deteriorated further, and although though Starfelt led the team to their fifth victory of the year, they are still only two points clear of the relegation zone. [BBC] and now, following Real Madrid’s 4-0 thrashing, the manager who brought him in, Rafa Benitez, was fired this week. [ESPN]
Starfelt had to be thinking “what if” as he recalls his trophy-filled days at Celtic after a seemingly ideal move soon went south.
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