Sky Sports have reported additional interest in Celtic’s Croatian International defender Josip Juranovic, claiming that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are joining the queue of top clubs interested in acquiring the services of the Celtic full-back.
The entire extent of this Sky Sports ‘exclusive’ reads as follows:
Matt O’Riley celebrates with Josip Juranovic after scoring the fifth goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and St. Johnstone at Celtic Park on April 09, 2022. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Atletico interested in Celtic’s Juranovic
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic.
The 26-year-old Croatia international had an excellent season for Ange Postecoglu’s Scottish Premiership champions after signing from Legia Warsaw last summer.
Atletico want to add a new right-back with Juranovic’s Croatia team-mate Sime Vrsaljko out of contract and Daniel Wass to turn 34 next season.
The Spanish club have so far been unable to find good value in the market – and Juranovic signed for Celtic for just £2.5m on a five-year deal.
He scored six goals in 41 appearances in all competitions during 2021-22.
Josip Juranovic of Celtic battles for possession with Alan Power of St Mirren during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Mirren FC at Celtic Park on March 02, 2022 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic would be more concerned if there was no interest in our players. Juranovic’s value has rocketed since arriving at Celtic last summer signing for Legia Warsaw in a £2.5m deal.
The 26 year-old helped Celtic to a Scottish Premiership and League Cup double and established himself as a first pick for the Croatian national side which has been in outstanding form recently, defeating the current World Champions France.
Juranovic and his advisors will be well aware of the growing interest but reports from Croatia indicate that he is in no rush to leave Celtic with both the Champions League and the World Cup on the horizon later this year.
Josip Juranović of Celtic scores from the penalty spot against St. Johnstone on 23 October, 2021. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic are well versed in such matters and will be well aware that Juranovic’s stock is likely to rise still further by appearing and impressing in both prestigious competitions. And that means greater interest and a higher transfer value when Celtic do decide it’s time to sell.
That is unlikely to be this in 2002 unless an incredibly high offer comes Celtic’s way.
