Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen has reportedly rejected the opportunity to join Celtic despite losing his starting spot at the Italian capital side.
The 23-year-old had his highs and lows since signing for the Biancocelesti last summer. With Marco Baroni now in charge, the Dane appears to be a mere backup option, with Mattia Zaccagni and Tijjani Noslin currently favoured for the wing slots. New signing Loum Tchaouna is also pushing for a starting berth.
Therefore, Celtic offered Isaksen an escape rope.
Isaksen Rejects Celtic in Favor of Lazio Stay
According to Il Messaggero (via LazioNews24), the Glasgow-based giants were hoping to sign the winger on loan with an option to buy worth €14 million in addition to €2 bonuses. However, the Denmark international snubbed the chance, insisting on remaining at Formello and fighting to earn his place in the starting lineup.
Isaksen was a regular feature in Maurizio Sarri’s lineup last season, especially towards the end of the Italian manager’s tenure at the Stadio Olimpico. He then became a benchwarmer during Igor Tudor’s brief stint at the club, as the Croatian considered him ill-suited to his tactical setup.
This season, Baroni is willing to rely on the Dane, but he’ll have to prove his worth for the cause. The Hjerk native netted his team’s solitary goal in the 1-2 defeat at the hands of Udinese last weekend, so it remains to be seen if his positive cameo will earn a more prominent role when Lazio host AC Milan on Saturday.
Well, he definitely does not lack ambition. Things just need to come his way…. He reminds me sooo much of Andreas Perreira, they just think they must have the perfect 1st touch, positioning etc and that’s not the case. We are not Real Madrid, our expectations are never as high yet they seem to not get over it. He has to relax and play freely. If he doesn’t manage to do this Tchauna will take his spot, no doubt. Let your fears go and play like it’s not your job. I know there is a superstar in there but he needs confidence and for that he must loosen up‼️ c’mon Gustav I believe in you 🩵🤍
Get rid of him he can’t pass!