Josip Juranovic gets post-Celtic career off to strong start; produces game-winning assist

By Lewis Laird

January 26, 2023

Former Celtic defender Josip Juranovic got off to a good start in Germany last night, producing the game-winning assist for Union Berlin.

After a strong 18 months at Paradise and for his international side, there was plenty of transfer interest in the defender, who was expected to depart in the January window.

And late last week, that departure was confirmed when the Croatian joined German Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

The Hoops have reportedly received a fee in the region of £10 million for the former Legia Warsaw man, who was subject to plenty of praise from Ange Postecoglou.

It would be fair to say that Juranovic has already had a busy old season before joining the German side, after being involved with the Hoops right up until his exit last Sunday.

So after signing for his new club, he was instantly fit and ready to go for his debut in the Bundesliga.

On Wednesday evening, he was thrust straight into the action as he took his place in the Union Berlin side that faced off against Werder Bremen.

Juranovic played the entire 90 minutes at right-wing back on his debut and was even able to produce the game-winning assist in a 2-1 win.

The right-back has strong attributes when it comes to a dead ball situation, and that was on show when he set up Kevin Behrens second-half winning goal, delivering a well-weighted corner onto the striker’s head.

Following Bayern Munich’s slip-up on Tuesday evening, that result takes Union into second place, just three points behind the 10-time consecutive champions.

It is certainly a positive start for Josip Juranovic at his new club, helping his side to a big victory on the road.

Admittedly, supporters aren’t likely to be used to seeing the defender sporting the black away strip of Union Berlin just yet, after bringing his time at Parkhead to a close.

However, the addition of Alistair Johnston and his positive start to life at Paradise has certainly helped soften the blow of losing a quality player.

It is always nice to see former players doing well in other leagues, and it helps boost the profile of what a move to Celtic can do for players such as Juranovic.

Next up for the former Celtic man is a visit to take on Union’s local rivals Hertha Berlin, where he will face off against another ex-Hoops right back, Jonjoe Kenny!

In other news, Celtic B held to draw in England as Premier League academy opposition strike late.