An uneasy narrative has developed over Carl Starfelt's Celtic transfer exit to Celta Vigo.
The Swedish defender, 28, has signed a four-year deal at the La Liga club after two seasons at Parkhead.
However, much of Starfelt's move to Celta Vigo is being attributed to a desire to be closer to partner Jacynta Galabadaarachchi - a matter cited by Brendan Rodgers when discussing how a transfer possibility came about.
The Narrative
Jacynta left Celtic Women in the summer to join Sporting Lisbon on a deal until 2025.
From that point, rumblings began over Starfelt potentially leaving Celtic to be closer to his partner. Firstly, if that was the case, then really what's the issue? There isn't one.
Regardless, it remains a lazy narrative and is not without contradiction over the logistics and calling the character of both players into question.
It completely devalues the obvious ambitions of both players in their respective careers with one moving to the Portuguese top flight and another to La Liga - they're hardly transfer moves that would raise eyebrows or demeaning assumptions should their relationship not be considered a factor.
The Distance
Carl Starfelt will be playing for Celta Vigo in Vigo, Spain. That's 393km from Lisbon in Portugal as the crow flies. It's not exactly close.
The drive between the cities is four-and-a-half hours with tolls, a country border and time zone difference between the two.
A flight between the two would take three-and-a-half hours with one stop.
The Alternative
For argument's sake, suppose Starfelt's only motivation for his move to one of the top leagues in the world was purely for distance.
There's merit in the fact that Spain is of course neighbouring Portugal and their proximity would be closer.
However, a direct flight from Glasgow to Lisbon is only three hours with no stops - less than travelling from Vigo to Lisbon by car, train or air.
The Reality
The facts are, Starfelt and Jacynta are no longer Celtic players.
They've both secured impressive moves to respected clubs and will no doubt be receiving wages at least on a par with what Celtic could offer.
Rodgers' words on the matter encapsulate the various reasons for Starfelt's choice to make the switch to Spain. Sure, there is a relationship pull, but there is also the huge opportunity to earn more in a short career and compete in one of the best leagues in the world.
Also, maybe consider that there is always the possibility of further reasons for a transfer move that remain unknown - football isn't simple and it happens.
Initially revealing that Starfelt would likely move on, Rodgers said: “There are obviously certain conditions he has thought about in going to one of the top leagues.
“Economically, it is hard to compete on that side and obviously his partner is no longer here anymore and has moved on.
“So there are a number of reasons why he would like to move on.
“I have to say, a total professional, first class, and if it didn’t go through, I know I can rely on him. But I think it probably will.”
To suggest the move is purely down to a need to be within proximity with Jacynta who will still be 393km away in Lisbon is a tired verdict.
But, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what reasons Starfelt or Jacynta had for deciding upon a move.
