Mikael Lustig confirms move from Celtic to Belgian side Gent on Instagram

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Mikael Lustig has confirmed on Instagram that he has joined Belgian side Gent this summer on a free transfer from Celtic, after confirming his exit from the Scottish champions earlier this week.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Celtic was due to expire at the end of the month and although reports suggested that Neil Lennon had offered the 75-time Sweden international a new deal, it appears Lustig has chosen to reject it.

Lustig posted an enormously heartfelt message to fans earlier this week, thanking them for their support during his seven-and-a-half years at the club. Indeed, Lustig has remained at Celtic for the entire eight-in-a-row run.

After 276 league and cup appearances for the Hoops, Lustig has now confirmed on Instagram that he has joined Gent – who finished fifth in the top tier of Belgian football last season. It is believed he has signed a three-year deal.

TBR’s view

Though it has been in the pipeline for quite some time, the loss of Lustig is still somewhat of a blow to the Scottish champions – as it leaves Lennon with some serious work to do.

Celtic’s defence is looking particularly threadbare at the moment, with the club losing Lustig, Dedryck Boyata, Filip Benkovic, Cristian Gamboa and Emilio Izaguirre this summer.

Some serious recruitment is required and with Rangers nearing their sixth and seventh signings of the summer in Joe Aribo and George Edmundson, Celtic need to get a move on.