Former Celtic loan star Filip Benkovic has been released by Leicester City. The 24-year-old had a successful season in Scotland before returning to Leicester but subsequent transfer windows have resulted in the Croatian being linked with a Celtic Park return.
In a statement, Benkovic was wished all the best for the future after the ex-£16m was confirmed to have left the club.
“The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Filip for his professionalism and dedication during his time in Leicester – an experience we hope he can build on in during his future career. He begins the next chapter with the very best wishes of everyone at Leicester City.”
Filip Benković has left Leicester City, after the Club and the player mutually agreed to cancel the remaining term of his contract.
Best of luck in the future, Filip 👍
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 12, 2022
However, things haven’t panned out at The King Power Stadium and now, The FA Cup holders have confirmed that the player has been released. A number of clubs will be on alert – especially Udinese, who have been hunting for a central defender.
Celtic rejected an offer for Stephen Welsh from the Serie A club earlier in the window as the Scotland U21 captain remains an important part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans. Leicester Mercury reported earlier today that Benkovic was now a target of Udinese and that he was undergoing medical checks ahead of a potential move.
Benkovic joined Leicester from Zagreb in 2018 for £13m before being loaned to Celtic, who were then under Rodgers in his third year. Benkovic impressed in this spell and despite Rodgers leaving, the defender continued to play a part in the team. Benkovic made 27 appearances, winning three trophies. The decision to release him is a surprise but, ultimately, he didn’t make the grade in the Premier League.
Update…
Udinese are set to sign Pablo Marí on loan from Arsenal, deal almost done. Final details to be agreed then Pablo will arrive in Italy. ⚪️ #AFC
Also Filip Benkovic will join Udinese this week – agreement reached, he leaves Leicester on free transfer. #LCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2022
celtic should go in for him he nos the club the fans no him he did well when he was here was solid at the back i can see a good partnership with ccv or welsh or big juils
If Benkovic isn’t good enough for Leicester, why should he be considered good enough for us?
No thank you.
He done a good job for Celtic. If he’s going on a free I’d take him
Looks like he’s off to Italy…
He was quality for us before. He can be again. We need a large squad to cope with injuries.