Pundit Tam McManus has hinted that Josip Juranovic may now need to leave Celtic after Alistair Johnston’s arrival.
The Croatian right-back could well be on his way out of the club anyway, but McManus is now unsure whether there is room for both players at the club.
The Hoops confirmed the signing of 24-year-old Johnston last week following Canada’s exit from the World Cup.
With the growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Juranovic and amid some assured performances on Croatia’s journey to the quarter-finals, the Canadian’s signature was needed – and McManus has suggested that Juranovic could now be on his way.
Speaking on the PLZ Soccer YouTube channel, he said: “I think the players that they are bringing in are real quality. I think this lad Alistair Johnston had a great World Cup with Canada.
“I think he looks a real prospect, a real good player, and it will be interesting to see if Juranovic is still at the club. I don’t think there’s room for both of them.
“Obviously, he’s playing at the minute for Croatia, and if he has a good World Cup, I think Celtic will cash in on him and Alistair Johnston will be first-choice.”
TIF Thoughts on McManus’ comments…
Would Juranovic be a big loss?
Yes
No
Given that Anthony Ralston is also an option on the right-hand side of the defence for Ange Postecoglou, it is unreasonable to think anything other than a Juranovic sale is likely.
His displays in Qatar give him the opportunity to further enhance his reputation, which bodes well for the Bhoys should they wish to move him on.
Ralston has shared duties with the Croatian in the Scottish Premiership this season but considering only Jota (7.56) has posted a higher average match rating according to Sofascore than Juranovic (7.29), Postecoglou may be hoping his exit doesn’t have too much of an impact moving forward should it occur.