Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has tipped the Hoops to sell Josip Juranovic for a ‘premium rate’ after plenty of interest ahead of the January window.
The 27-year-old was expected to attract the interest of clubs next month, following speculation of a potential exit in the summer.
His performances at the World Cup in Qatar have increased that interest, putting in a man-of-the-match display against Brazil to help Croatia reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
The likes of Athletico Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked in the past, and suitors will be lining up for Juranovic in the January window.
There has been much discussion surrounding what sort of price tag the Croatian international might attract, ranging from between £10 million to £25 million.
Celtic remain in the perfect position to negotiate any potential interest, with the right-back’s contract lasting until the summer of 2026.
Former Hoops frontman Chris Sutton has weighed in on the discussion, insisting that Celtic should be looking to keep the defender until the summer.
However, should interest in Juranovic come to light, the Englishman believes the Bhoys should be selling him for a ‘premium rate’ as he made the comparison with club record sale Kieran Tierney.
He said [Daily Record]: “Juranovic’s performance against Brazil was seen across the world. Why shouldn’t Celtic be able to ask for big money?
“I believe they should try to keep him until next summer as he’s such an important player and Celtic have a title to be secure. But, if circumstances dictate that he is to go next month, it should be for a premium rate.
“Of course, the two biggest aspects are maybe the fact he is playing in Scotland and the fact he is 27 years of age.
“Firstly, which league he plays should be of no concern. He’s performed in the Champions League and just been Man of the match against one of the world’s best teams and one of their best players in Vinicius Junior.
“Secondly, 27 is not old. He’s possibly approaching his prime. There may not be major sell-on value for a buyer, but when has that ever bothered the major clubs around Europe?
“My experiences tell me that a lot of buying within the bigger leagues that gets done in January has a degree of panic or desperation about it.
“I’m not comparing them as players, but Kieran Tierney, a full-back, left Celtic to join Arsenal for £25m. Yes, Kieran was younger, but Juranovic is now going to have a World Cup semi-final on his CV. He and Croatia might even win the tournament.
“Juranovic is a first-pick for a country who are consistently high performers at major tournaments and in major competitions.
“Given the position of it being mid-season, given the fact Juranovic will just have come off a starring role at a World Cup and given the fact Celtic do not need to sell, they should aim high.
“Ange Postecoglou says there will be movement in and out of the door to generate money to buy better. Right now, Juranovic can generate plenty. If it means they take less in the summer and a second straight title is in the bag, then that’s a fair trade-off.”
Juranovic interest continues to rise as World Cup displays catch the eye.
After his display against Brazil, Juranovic was praised worldwide for helping his nation reach the last four and putting in a fantastic performance versus some of the best attackers from across the globe.
So it comes as no surprise to see the defender’s transfer interest continue to rise. Along with that, his price tag will also be on the up.
Ange Postecoglou finds himself sitting in the almost ideal position, with Juranovic thought to be in no hurry to depart Parkhead, despite potentially considering his options this winter.
That being said, the club are inevitably going to receive offers next month for the defender and will be the ones dictating the negotiations due to his long-term contract at Parkhead.
With some huge clubs from across Europe watching closely, the Hoops hierarchy should be demanding a premium fee for a player who has performed brilliantly on football’s biggest stage.
If not, then Juranovic will remain in Glasgow, hopefully helping the Bhoys to more trophy success before the interest arrives once again next summer.
In other news, Moritz Jenz shares brilliant encounter with Celtic supporters out and about in Glasgow.
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