Erik Sviatchenko could be like a new signing for Celtic next season

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January saw Celtic decide to let Danish defender Erik Sviatchenko make a move back to his former club FC Midtjylland on loan. The centre-back was having an indifferent campaign at Celtic. After suffering a knee injury at the start of the season he found himself struggling for first-team football at Parkhead. Kristoffer Ajer’s development into a central defender and the presence of Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic saw him pushed out of the matchday squad altogether.

It was a shame to see him pushed out in this manner. Sviatchenko had an excellent 2016-17 campaign with the club, playing 43 times for the Scottish club and establishing himself as a genuine first-team option.

Sviatchenko had shown great development in his 18 months at the club. He joined the club in a £1.5 million deal from FC Midtjylland in January 2016 and it appeared Celtic had a bargain on their hands.

But after his struggles this season, perhaps Celtic is a step up he cannot quite handle.

Although, the opposite might also be true. In fact, the £1.5 million man might actually be like a new signing this summer.

Sviatchenko had an excellent spell back at his former club. He quickly played himself back into the first-team at the club. His presence helped an inspired run toward the Danish Superliga title.

In the end, they managed to overturn the points lead that Brondby had and this week won the league title for the second time in their short history.

His form has shown that he is still more than capable of playing a role for Celtic. His season was decimated by that injury at an extremely unfortunate time from which he could not get back into a settled and successful team.

But this summer, he will have a chance in pre-season to push for first-team football at Celtic once again.

Fans who remember his better days in a Celtic shirt will be happy to welcome him back, as he could become a crucial member of the Celtic squad once again in 2018-19.