Report: Celtic must splash out £4.2m to secure Kristijan Lovric

By David Walton

July 26, 2021

Celtic must pay as much as £4.2million if they’re to land exciting Croatian talent Kristijan Lovric, according to the Daily Mail.

The Mail reports that Celtic have launched an enquiry for the internationalist. However, his club, HNK Gorica, want as much as €5m [£4.2m] for the player’s services.

A report from Croatian outlet IndexHR yesterday stated that Serie A side Hellas Verona were also keen on making a move.

Celtic have already splashed the cash on a right-winger this summer after securing Liel Abada for a reported £3.5m [Scottish Sun]. But there is a major gap on the left flank with Mohamed Elyounoussi yet to be replaced.

The Hoops only have Mikey Johnston available as a natural left-winger, but the Lennoxtown graduate is currently injured. Abada can also play on the left if necessary.

If Celtic secure Kristijan Lovric, their recruitment for the final third will be over

Looking at the Celtic squad at the moment, the Hoops only really need one more addition going forward. Given the gap that currently exists on the left, Lovric’s signing would allow us to signal an end to our recruitment in the final third.

Some may argue another centre-forward is necessary should Odsonne Edouard depart. But for now he’s still at the club. Until that departure actually comes to pass, we have enough options there for now.

After the signing of Abada, Celtic also have three players to choose from on the right flank. James Forrest and Karamoko Dembele make up the rest of the contingent, granted the latter is currently sidelined.

We also still have three number 10s who can work perfectly in Ange Postecoglou’s system. With David Turnbull, Tom Rogic, and Ryan Christie all available for selection, we’re well-stocked.

But we’ll only give ourselves that luxury if we tie down Lovric. The Croat has an impressive 44 goals and 24 assists in 98 games for Gorica [Transfermarkt]. We won’t be the only ones monitoring him just now.

With the Scottish Premiership season only days away, we really need to be finalising our plans for the new season. Hopefully, Lovric is part of that.

In other news: Reported Vissel Kobe target Teruhito Nakagawa should be interesting Celtic