Celtic are set to sign former-Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. The Swede is a free agent in January when his contract with MLS side Chicago Fire expires.
The 33 year-old joined the Fire in the summer but was only on a short-term deal.
Options
Ljungberg had already stated that he wanted a return to Britain. He of course enjoyed over 10 years in England with Arsenal and West Ham. And he was hoping that he could still secure a move back to the Premier League.
There was interest from Premier League sides but it seems that nobody was willing to offer him a deal. It now looks like he could be heading for Parkhead and the SPL.
Celtic
The midfielder is approaching the end of his career but Celtic boss Neil Lennon is not discouraged by his age. He told media: “We were contacted three or four weeks ago. I don’t think he is over the hill. I think he is 34 but he has always kept himself in good condition.
“He had a horrendous time with injuries at West Ham but in the last 18 months he has played a lot of games in America. You don’t lose the quality, he might be missing an edge but we will see how he is”
Lennon knows that Ljungberg still has something to offer his club. Lennon will lose South Korean midfield pair Cha-Du Ri and Ki Sung-Yueng to their national team as they take part in the Asian Cup in January. Ljungberg could provide the Celtic boss with another midfield option.
Celtic isn’t in the best of financial shape and a player of his quality who is available on a free transfer would definitely be a decent addition. The question is has he still got what it takes to play in the SPL? The SPL certainly isn’t of the same standard of the English Premier League, yet it isn’t the worse standard of league in the world.
Success
Freddie Ljungberg was part of Arsenal’s so called “Invincibles”, which went 49 Premier League games without being beaten. During his time at Arsenal he won every major trophy in English football. He also became one of the Gunners key players in their success. He was even voted as the 11th best player in the history of the Gunners in a vote on the clubs official website.
Downhill
His career started to go downhill when he left Arsenal for West Ham in 2007. His time at West Ham wasn’t particularly successful. He made just 25 league appearances for the Hammers due to injury-problems.
He never rediscovered his best form in the East End and towards the end of his West Ham career the club were just happy to get him off their wage bill, as his contract was allegedly terminated for a fee of £6million.
Mixed
He enjoyed a mix time in the MLS with the Seattle Sounders. He was traded last summer to Chicago Fire but his stint in the windy city lasted just 15 games and less than six months. He felt that he still had a lot to give in European football.
Return
It seems that Ljungberg believes that he must return to Britain in order to recapture his best form. However I believe that Ljungberg’s best days are well behind him. He probably should have already retired but seems determined to carry on playing. His love for the game has to be admired but his days at the top are well over and done with.
Will Freddie Ljungberg be a good signing for Celtic?
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