OPINION
Celtic enforcer Jozo Simunovic has emerged on the radar of one of Europe’s top clubs, but the Hoops would be making a massive mistake in letting the Bosnian leave.
Italian newspaper Il Tempo claimed on Tuesday that the 23-year-old centre-back is now a summer target for Lazio, who are looking for potential replacements for the departing Stefan de Vrij.
It is said that Simunovic is one of two targets identified by the fourth-placed Serie A side, along with St. Etienne and former Borussia Dortmund star Neven Subotic.
Lazio are on the hunt for a new centre-back after withdrawing their contract offer to Netherlands international de Vrij, who has been locked in talks with the club for several months now.
Il Tempo report that the main issue in any potential transfer for Simunovic will be money, as the Hoops look to recoup the £6.75million they paid for him in 2015.
But if that is going to be the only issue in the transfer then Celtic would be making a massive mistake.
Simunovic has proved this season that he has what it takes to make it at the highest level, but he is merely yet to be given the chance to do it on a consistent basis.
Injuries hampered him in the early season running before Simunovic was then resigned to a role on the bench for the Premiership campaign, being used mainly in Europe and the cup competitions.
While the Hoops have endured some damaging defeats in Europe this season, their 1-0 win over Zenit in their Europa League last-32 clash first leg was a big step forward for the club.
And the man that was at the heart of that performance was Simunovic.
The Bosnian was deployed in the middle of a back three for the Hoops, and marshalled his defensive line superbly all night, keeping the Russian giants easily at bay.
It has been easy for fans to forget about Simunovic this season, with rising star Kristoffer Ajer seemingly stealing the limelight for the Hoops in recent weeks.
But that should be reason to celebrate Simunovic’s presence, not forget about it.
The prospect of a back three made up of Ajer, Simunovic, and January signing Jack Hendry is an extremely exciting one for the Hoops, who would have the backbone of an exciting young side right there.
The fact that the club paid a massive £6.75million for Simunovic two years ago shows that there was massive potential identified in the enforcer.
Celtic must keep faith in that potential and hold strong this summer, or they will see Simunovic leave and fulfil that elsewhere, possibly in Rome.