Strahinja Pavlovic opens up on future goals amid Celtic link

By David Walton

July 30, 2019

The Strahinja Pavlovic link remains an intriguing one, and the defender has today opened up on his goals for the future.

Neil Lennon reportedly went to see the centre-back play against Connah’s Quay Nomads last Thursday (Scottish Sun). Partizan secured a 1-0 victory in the contest, with Pavlovic helping his side to a clean sheet.

Celtic are in need of another centre-back before the transfer window closes on September 2nd. They’ve already signed Christopher Jullien, but at the moment, we only really have three reliable centre-backs at the club. A fourth would be ideal, and Lennon appears to be looking for one too.

Strahinja Pavlovic has been linked with a move to Celtic (Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

But as he spoke about his future in the Daily Record, the defender was honest about where he wants to end up one day.

“I was flattered when I heard about Celtic watching me in Wales. But for me I have to only concentrate on my immediate future and that’s at Partizan.

“I’ve got to think I will be at this club for a long time. I can’t afford to get caught up in speculation before the next transfer window.

“My favourite clubs in Europe are Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United. My ambition is to play for one of those teams one day. But I’m only concentrating on the second leg against Connah’s Quay Nomads. I think it’s a good opportunity for our fans to see a few goals from us.”

Pavlovic link is good for Celtic and the player

Celtic wouldn’t be turned off whatsoever by Pavlovic’s ambition to play at the highest level. It’s exactly the way we should be advertising ourselves as a football club – a club that can provide a springboard for young players to make that next step.

We now have a fantastic history of young players developing before moving onto top clubs. Moussa Dembele and Virgil Van Dijk may be the most high-profile, but there are others too. Stuart Armstrong, Ki Sung-Yeung, Gary Hooper, and Fraser Forster all made positive moves down south. Victor Wanyama has been another high-profiel success story.

Virgil Van Dijk shined at Parkhead before becoming one of the world’s best defenders (Ian MacNicol/AFP/Getty Images)

The pathway is there for Pavlovic to play in a top league if he came to Celtic and impressed.

In terms of a fee, he was recently linked with a £7million move to Juventus (Novosti). Spending that sort of money would likely make him one of the first choices if he arrived in Glasgow.

A deal still looks some way off, but it looks seriously likely that we’re in with an interest. The fact he’s flattered about a move to Parkhead also bodes well about how he would feel should we come calling.

Pavlovic impressed against Connah’s Quay Nomads (Kevin Barnes – CameraSport via Getty Images)

It would provide him with a glorious opportunity to make a step up in the European game too. We’re currently battling to qualify for the Champions League, whilst Pavlovic’s Belgrade side are only competing for the Europa. That alone tells you that’s a step up.

But for now, we have to wait and see how Celtic tackle the idea of signing Pavlovic. Hopefully, this is one Lenny is eyeing up before the end of the window.