Croatian report: Why Josip Juranovic doesn't want to leave Celtic this year

By David Walton

June 21, 2022

Croatian journalist Izak Ante Sucic has reported on Twitter that Josip Juranovic doesn’t want to jeopardise his World Cup chances and states the player is happy at Celtic.

Hoops supporters were left concerned last night as Fabrizio Romano claimed Juranovic was expected to leave Celtic Park for the English Premier League. That’s despite the fact he only arrived in Glasgow last summer.

But it hasn’t taken long for that idea to be disputed as Germanijak reporter Sucic gave his take on the situation:

Juranovic has had a hugely successful debut year in Scotland and has become a fans-favourite after finally solving our frustrating right-back issue.

The Croatian international has also been a regular for his country under Zlatko Dalic. Operating on both the right and left flanks, Josip looks almost certain to go to Qatar and play a major role at the end of the year.

The right-back signed a 5-year contract after signing for the Hoops back in 2021, giving Celtic piece of mind regarding his long-term future.

Celtic defender Josip Juranovic needs to think about the short and long-term

Whenever there is indeed Premier League interest in a Celtic player, it always feels like a major red flag for us. After all, so many of our star men initially sign at Parkhead with a dream to move down the road and play alongside the best footballers in the world.

Make no mistake, Juranovic is at a level capable of making a splash down in England’s top flight too. He’s proven that with his exploits for Croatia against the likes of Denmark and France last month alone.

However, at the same time, there is still so much he still has to experience here. We’re talking about a player whose yet to ever play Champions League football despite his high stock. He’ll have that opportunity at Celtic Park whilst also having a chance to get more winner’s medals to his name and cement his Croatia status.

At 26, you can understand any potential urge from Josip to explore England. But it would be in everyone’s best interests for him to stay at least another year. UCL and more title-winning experience would stand him in good stead before his next challenge.

Celtic, meanwhile, don’t want to be going into next season having to source a replacement for such an integral member of their squad. It isn’t something we’ll have prepared for and certainly wouldn’t be an enviable task either.

Hopefully, this all blows over with nothing more to it. Another big campaign at Celtic Park just feels like the best fit for everyone.

In other news, Why Celtic want another centre-back despite having 4 options