Former Celtic Star Jozo Simunovic signs for Croatian side HNK Gorica

Delighted to report that former Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has finally managed to find a new club after his time at Celtic was abruptly ended in the flawed summer planning for Peter Lawwell’s legacy, delivering ten in a row. Simunovic has signed for Croatian side HNK Gorica after around 18 months out of the game.

The decision to allow experienced course and distance professionals like Simunovic, Craig Gordon and Jonny Hayes leave was something we highlighted at the time and with the benefit of hindsight it looks like we were correct. Instead big money was wasted on bring in Barkas for £5m – a figure for a keeper Celtic are unlikely to pay ever again – and on bringing up Shane Duffy on loan at great expense. And when Bolingoli went AWOL we were left with Greg Taylor at left-back. Better than Hayes? Maybe not.

Celtic had a one year option on Jozo’s contract and decided against taking it up. Now it may have been a flawed decision to sign him in the first place, given his medical history, and he seemed to be unsellable as a result, with one move to Italy falling through at the medical stage. After leaving last summer he has been unable to get a club, again with that thought to be down to his medical history. Frustrating for Jozo as he considers himself to be fully fit and good to go.

Yet he was a decent player for Celtic,, that tackle at Ibrox against Kenny Miller and that goal on the 67th minute while wearing the number 5 shirt just after Cesar’s passing are the two most memorable moments but there were many others. He did appear to carry the can for the European defeat to Copenhagen in the Europa League and the Lennon/Lawwell combo never really forgave him those errors.

Good Luck Jozo 🍀 pic.twitter.com/SdmyRdj08D

— 50-fifty (@Shop50fifty) October 20, 2021

“Great player… Unlucky with injuries,” Celtic Nation.

The best of luck to Jozo at his new club.

🇭🇷 | Jozo Simunovic

Absolutely buzzing for @SimunovicJozo who's joined Croatian side HNK Gorica on a one year deal.

Jozo last played a match on 27th February 2020 & after 601 days now has the opportunity to kick-start his career.

All the best Jozo 🍀 pic.twitter.com/zppxmRlPPi

— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) October 20, 2021