The English mainstream media’s lazy assessment of the valuation that Celtic have for a player on a long-term contract who was one of the top defenders at the World Cup and helped his country secure a third place finish is rather incredible.
Josip Juranovic ‘only’ plays in Scotland and his current club will be thrilled to receive a huge offer in the region of £8m for a player who might be required to ensure that injury hit Chelsea might make the top four in the Premier League to secure a Champions League spot.
Celtic a few years back sold a home grown full-back to Arsenal for £25m and at the time social media was full of Arsenal fans complaining at their side being asked to fork out such a huge price for £25m at the same time they were all happy to spend £70m on a winger from France. Few reckoned that Kieran Tierney didn’t provide the best value for money after that.
Celtic will NOT be selling Josip Juranovic to anyone in January for £8m and if offers come in at that level then Celtic will simply play the full-back starting at Ibrox on 2 January.
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Reading today’s headlines, Peter Lawwell will be spitting out his cornflakes, desperate to get started back at Celtic to take over the reins on these transfer wheeling and dealings, well maybe not but it’s a vivid image nevertheless.
Michael Nicholson and Ange Postecoglou have already got it covered and Josip Juranovic’ agent will be well aware of the minimum price that Celtic will be looking for if they are going to do business in January and that quoted price of £8m in today’s Daily Mail is at least £10m off the mark, maybe as much as £17m short.
Why would Celtic sell Juranovic – who is on a long term contract – for less than KT?
The Daily Mail headline reads: “Chelsea are ready to accelerate their long-term interest in Celtic right back Josip Juranovic after Reece James limped off against Bournemouth – with Croatian World Cup star potentially available for as little as £8m”
They go on to report: “The 27-year-old, who was named in the World Cup team of the tournament, could cost as little as £8million. The Scottish club have already agreed a deal to sign right back Alistair Johnston from MLS club CF Montreal.
“Chelsea were interested in Juranovic during the summer window and a deal could be wrapped up quickly once the January market reopens on Sunday. Juranovic was unquestionably one of the best defenders at the World Cup, his performance against Brazil – in which he largely nullified Vinicius Jr – particularly eye-catching.
And he is now set for a move to England with Chelsea, among others, readying an approach.”
Why 18 million? I find it incredible that Celtic supporters think that 17-20 million is reasonable? He was one of the players of the WC, praised to the heavens, he has CL experience, has won the league. As one site comments today 50 million for a guy at Man Utd, 50 million for John Stones. Closer to home 22 million for Bassey, 16 million for a newrangers teenager with a handful of games. How can a player who is a regular in the third best team at the WC be worth 2 million more than a kid who has only played in the Glasgow Cup. He is 27-peak years coming up. If someone wants to get his best years then surely bidding starts at 25 million and should stop at 32-33. That makes more sense. It is bad enough when others do us down but when we do it it is criminal. Jura’s agent should be told Celtic’s valuation and the player and agent need to be told if this is not met he is staying. He is contracted for another 4 years. If his agent cannot sell him for 25 million he needs a new agent. We got 25 for Tierney. How many World Cup’s has Kieran shone in. Ange should take charge of negotiations as our bosses appear to be weak. !8 million, are you kidding? Just keep him as that is as high as they go, he will shine in the CL next season and we can ask for 40 million.
The Daily Mail!That will be the same Tory rag that ‘trusted ‘ Stephen Mc Gowan is employed by ! You know ,the scoop a lot of folks in Scotland think is ‘in the know ,’ when it comes to Celtic FC matters …