Filip Benkovic’s future at Celtic has always looked bleak, but the player is certainly making the right noises.
Croatian under-21 star Benkovic signed on a 12-month loan at the start of the season. Hoops fans were initially concerned that he would leave to return to Leicester this month. Fortunately, Leicester manager Claude Puel had other ideas.
But pretty much every Celtic fan is resigned to losing the club’s best defender at the end of the season regardless. Leicester see him as a big part of their future, and splashed out £13million on him in the summer.
But Benkovic appears to be loving life at Parkhead. Speaking in the Scottish Sun, the Croatian has spoke about how much he wants more of the experiences he’s gaining in Glasgow.
“Here at Celtic, I play with pressure, which is good. But that’s normal for me – I came from a club in Croatia where it was the same. I like that, I enjoy the pressure.
“The last information I had from Leicester was that I am staying at Celtic until the end of the season.
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“I enjoy it here so that’s what I’m focusing on. After that, we will speak and see what’s for the best. I’m having fun here and want more of it.”
Is there any real chance of a permanent deal?
It’s fair to say that both Celtic and Benkovic are reaping the rewards of this loan deal so far. The Croatian has 21 senior appearances at Parkhead to his name this term. Celtic, on the other hand, are seeing a massive improvement in their defence when the former Dinamo Zagreb man plays.
Yet, in terms of a permanent deal, player-power may not have much of an effect here. Leiecester will see £13million as a huge investment, and given the fact Benkovic has signed a five-year contract at the King Power Stadium, he’s locked in tight at City.
There could be one chink of light in terms of another 12-month loan deal. It’s difficult seeing Benkovic displacing Wes Morgan or Harry Maguire next season. In terms of cover, however, Leicester don’t have anyone better than Benkovic.
Celtic aren’t likely to break the bank for him, and Leicester would likely want a sizable profit. It’s important to remember that he wasn’t signed only to go out on loan and for Leicester to then make a loss on him. They still have high hopes for Benkovic upon his return.
Therefore, while the player himself may have a desire to experience much more at Parkhead, it could be irrelevant. Any decision made on him this summer will be from Leicester, and it looks like they’re keen to hang onto him.