Chris Sutton has insisted that Celtic should be looking for top-dollar from any prospective buyers of Josip Juranovic. Juranovic has been widely-tipped to be of immense interest come the New Year and former striker, Sutton has revealed his belief that Ange Postecoglou should want another massive deal for him to part company with the World Cup semi-finalist.
The Englishmen asserted the view that although Josip may not have any potential re-sale value, that wouldn’t affect the top European sides in bidding for the Croat. Speaking at the World Cup in Qatar where he is currently working with BBC, he said: “Juranovic’s performance against Brazil was seen across the world, as reported by Daily Record. Why shouldn’t Celtic be able to ask for big money?
“I believe they should try to keep him until next summer as he’s such an important player and Celtic have a title to be secure. But, if circumstances dictate that he is to go next month, it should be for a premium rate. Of course, the two biggest aspects are maybe the fact he is playing in Scotland and the fact he is 27 years of age.
“Firstly, which league he plays should be of no concern. He’s performed in the Champions League and just been Man of the match against one of the world’s best teams and one of their best players in Vinicius Junior. Secondly, 27 is not old. He’s possibly approaching his prime. There may not be major sell-on value for a buyer, but when has that ever bothered the major clubs around Europe?
“My experiences tell me that a lot of buying within the bigger leagues that gets done in January has a degree of panic or desperation about it. I’m not comparing them as players, but Kieran Tierney, a full back, left Celtic to join Arsenal for £25m. Yes, Kieran was younger, but Juranovic is now going to have a World Cup semi-final on his CV. He and Croatia might even win the tournament.
“Juranovic is a first-pick for a country who are consistently high performers at major tournaments and in major competitions. Given the position of it being mid-season, given the fact Juranovic will just have come off a starring role at a World Cup and given the fact Celtic do not need to sell, they should aim high. Ange Postecoglou says there will be movement in and out of the door to generate money to buy better. Right now, Juranovic can generate plenty. If it means they take less in the summer and a second straight title is in the bag, then that’s a fair trade off.”
Paul Gillespie
