Think back to 2023, in the early days of Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic.
He stepped back into a role that came with expectations and pressure, taking over from Ange Postecoglou with a squad that had already been shaped into a winning unit. On paper, it looked like a smooth transition, a team ready to keep moving forward without missing a beat.
But football rarely follows a simple script.
Not long into the new season, a key figure at the back made his intentions clear. Carl Starfelt, who had formed a strong partnership with Cameron Carter Vickers, was ready for a new challenge after two solid years in Glasgow.
Celtic had already brought in Polish defender Maik Nawrocki from Legia Warsaw, but they returned to the market once again, this time securing the signing of Swedish centre back Gustaf Lagerbielke as Starfelt’s replacement.
At first glance, it looked like a smart addition. Lagerbielke arrived from Elfsborg with an imposing presence and a reputation for picking out long passes from deep, the kind of qualities that suggested he could slot in comfortably.
It just never quite clicked.
His introduction to Scottish football was far from ideal. His first outing came in a surprise defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, and things did not improve in Europe. On his Europa League debut against Feyenoord, he was sent off in the second half after picking up two yellow cards.
After starting a match against Motherwell in September, he disappeared from the starting picture for months. When he did return, it was in dramatic fashion, coming off the bench against Feyenoord at Celtic Park and heading in a late winner that briefly reignited belief around him.
But that moment proved to be more of an exception than a turning point.
Only two further appearances followed before he was sent out on loan to FC Twente the next season, a move that quietly changed everything. Away from the spotlight, he began to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his form.
That progress did not go unnoticed. Braga stepped in and made their move, signing the Swedish international for around £2.2 million and offering him a fresh start.
Since then, his career has taken on a new life.
The 26 year old showed clear signs of his development last autumn when Braga travelled to Celtic and secured a 2-0 win in the Europa League, with Lagerbielke playing his part against his former club.
He has continued to play a key role, featuring for the full match in Thursday’s quarter final clash against Real Betis in Spain, as Braga advanced 5-3 on aggregate.
Now, with a semi final against SC Freiburg on the horizon, he finds himself just two matches away from a potential Europa League final in Istanbul against either Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest.
For a player who managed only ten appearances at Celtic, it is a journey few would have predicted.