Celtic today completed the signing of Sead Haksabanovic, as the Swedish-born winger became the first Montenegrin international to sign for the club.
The 23 year old follows the same route Carl Starfelt took from Rubin Kazan to Glasgow last summer. He has played very little club football in recent months, playing no part in Kazan’s start to the season, as he sought a move following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – spending the final three months of last season on loan in Sweden with Djurgarden.
He becomes Celtic’s seventh signing of the transfer window so far and the first attacker of the bunch besides Jota confirming his permanent stay. Postecoglou has frequently re-affirmed his desire for a versatile forward to fill out the squad and it’s a role that Haksabanovic heartily fills.
Whilst his preference for playing on the left may raise eyebrows when Jota and Daizen Maeda both prefer to come off that side – Haksabanovic’s signing allows the latter to deputise through the middle if needed. The former West Ham winger’s adaptability extends beyond the wings too – he has the ability to play in a more central role, offering Postecoglou a further auxiliary option behind his centre-forward if required, even as a midfield “8” in a pinch.
A bold and busy inverted winger who wants to be on the ball constantly, Haksabanovic fits Postecoglou’s philosophy, too, and should have little issue making up the yards in terms of pressing and defensive work.
He may not yet have hit the heights expected of him when he signed for West Ham in 2017, Celtic have completed a cut price deal for a player who still has a very high ceiling, and who may yet become the player he was touted as when making his Allsvenskan league debut at 15.
Still, he has pedigree at a good level, and is approaching twenty caps for his national side – and whilst transfer reports are always contentious and polluted with agent talk, it wouldn’t be surprising if Celtic had faced competition from multiple clubs for his signature, as reported.
Whilst it’s an issue many Celtic fans won’t want to consider, the fact remains that Jota’s form will attract interest, be that in January or next summer. Whilst there’s no suggestion that the Portugese doesn’t love life at Celtic, he was more than happy to sign permanently less than two months ago – forward planning is essential, and Haksabanovic is a readymade replacement should the club receive a ridiculous offer for their star winger in the next couple of years.
The team’s existing squad depth means that there is little pressure for Haksabanovic to be fast-tracked into the side, he can be integrated steadily whilst he settles off the pitch to give him the best chance of a good career in Scotland.
Be it value, age profile, stylistic fit and squad requirements, Celtic have made a signing that makes sense in almost every possible regard, and that’s always something to be excited about.
In other news, Scrutinised referee handed Celtic League Cup tie.
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