Writer Ryan McGinlay has been left buzzing following the latest update on Josip Juranovic’s future, claiming that Celtic are in a ‘strong’ negotiating position if they do have to sell the Croatian this winter.
According to trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the defender is ‘on the radar’ of a number of clubs at the moment and the Bhoys are open to discussing offers for their right-back.
Premier League outfit West Ham United have been named as one possible team who could make a move for Juranovic this January, but if they do, they might not be able to land him on the cheap.
Indeed, McGinlay explained that because Celtic have already signed a potential replacement in the shape of Alistair Johnston, they won’t have to panic-sell their first-choice option, and can therefore hold out for a good price.
He wrote on Twitter: “Thankfully, we’re in such a strong position in terms of negotiations thanks to the signing of Alistair Johnston. We’ve already signed JJ’s replacement!
“I hope Croatia go far so his valuation continues to rise.
“We’re finally a proactive club and it’s great to see.”
Would you sell Josip Juranovic this winter for less that £10m?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Josip Juranovic and Celtic…
Beyond the Hammers, Juranovic has previously also been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and even La Liga giants Atletico Madrid. Those teams can likely all afford decent transfer fees should they want to sign the Croatian this winter.
What’s more, seeing as the Celtic defender has been away in Qatar for the World Cup – and started every game for his country – his valuation is unlikely to drop any time soon.
On top of that, his current contract is set to last until 2026, so the Hoops have no need to sell him this January or even in the summer unless they feel like a deal emerges that is too good to turn down.
Taking it all into account, it seems quite likely that Celtic will make a pretty tidy profit on the reported £2.5m they paid for Juranovic back in August 2021.
I would pull out all stops to keep Juranovic. With the addition of Johnston, all that it does is give us two second choice replacement right fullbacks.