Carl Starfelt set for Celtic exit as Rodgers reveals defender 'could leave' next week

Celtic defender Carl Starfelt is set to leave the club with manager Brendan Rodgers revealing his departure could come as soon as next week.

The Swedish star was a key player for the Hoops last season as they won a domestic clean sweep under former boss Ange Postecoglou.

But he was dropped to the bench for the opening Premiership game of this campaign and Maik Nawrocki lined up beside Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic beat Ross County 4-2 in Glasgow to get their defence of the title off to a flier but Rodgers revealed after the game that the defender could be on his way out.

Rodgers said: “Carl could leave, hence the reason for not starting him, that’s maybe something that will go through next week, but we shall see.

“He’s obviously been a fantastic servant here, and he’s a great guy and really committed, but there’s reasons why he might want to move on.”

“I wanted to to put Carl Starfelt on because it might be his last appearance here.

“He’s been a great servant to the club.

“There’s interest from him and he would like to take up that possibility.

“So for me, we have to. And we will resolve that as quick as we can.

“But I felt it was nice for him to get an appearance and maybe a final appearance at Celtic Park.

“The clubs are in communication, so I’m sure that will go through at some point. I would say an early part of next week, if not before.

“Clearly,he probably felt it was a time to move on. And I got to say, really respectful, loved his time here.

“There’s obviously certain conditions there that has made him think, he would be going to one of the top leagues.

“And economically, it’s hard for us to compete on that side and obviously his partner is no longer here anymore and has moved on. So a number of reasons as too why he would like to move on.

“But I have to say total professional, been first class and if it didn’t go through, I know I can rely on him, But I think it probably will.”

Starfelt has made 51 appearances since joining the Parkhead club from Rubin Kazan in 2021 and has won back to back league titles, two league cups and a Scottish Cup during his time in Glasgow.