Celtic and their hunt for Legia Warsaw right-back Josip Juranovic could come to a frustrating conclusion, according to a report.
Index.hr, a Croatian news outlet, state that Legia Warsaw are asking for too much for their star right-back. Juranvoic is a Croatia international, who played against Scotland at Euro 2020 in the summer just past.
Despite his international pedigree, and solid European experience, Celtic aren’t willing to push the boat out too far. Having already been burned by Royal Antwerp for Aurelio Buta, the Bhoys had hoped their next target, Juranovic, would be easier to acquire.
That isn’t the case, say Index. It appears that the Hoops have been priced out of a deal. Sky Sports reported that Legia had a figure of £2.5m in mind.
Serious questions will be asked of Celtic if they can’t find a suitable right-back. While Anthony Ralston has enjoyed an upturn in form, it’s still a problem position.
Brazilian sensation Yan Couto was spotted taking in Celtic’s win over Jablonec last night [Herald]. However, any deal for the Manchester City talent would be a temporary one.
That would leave Celtic in exactly the same situation as this summer; chasing for a permanent solution at right-back.
Celtic could still pounce for Legia Warsaw man Josip Juranovic, but it looks unlikely now
None of this is to say that Celtic are 100% out of the running. But two failed bids for a right-back within a week wouldn’t be a good look.
It would certainly make recruiting another full-back a bit of a tougher sell, provided they or their agent read the papers.
It’s particularly unfortunate, because Juranovic can certainly play a bit. The Croatian international’s crossing, tackling and versatility make the 25-year-old a real asset for Legia Warsaw.
In truth, Celtic have lacked an international-level right-back since Mikael Lustig left the club. Back then, the Bhoys tried to fortify the position, with Lee O’Connor, Moritz Bauer and Jeremie Frimpong. The first has barely made a mark, the second was injured during his loan, and the third has since left for big money.
Jonjoe Kenny was far from a convincing loan signing, either.
It’s concerning. However, for all the doom and gloom, there’s a scenario in which Celtic land a potentially sensational right-back in Yan Couto. Even if it’s just for a season, Girona’s best player of 20-21 would provide real quality from the right flank.
A long-term answer would be preferable, though. It just doesn’t look like being Josip Juranovic.
In other news: Scooter unwittingly provide another terrace anthem
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