Barcelona is reportedly interested in signing Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic as talks of a contract extension stalled before the World Cup. The Croatian international is also being considered by two Premier League clubs and Atletico Madrid, Barca’s La Liga opponent. In an effort to keep Juranovic in Glasgow, Celtic has started discussions about a better new deal. But before he left for the World Cup in Qatar, neither party was able to come to an arrangement. When Juranovic returns from his post-World Cup break next week, Celtic will reportedly try to sit down with him again. However, the Scottish champions are braced for offers due to interest from the Premier League and clubs in Europe. The 27-year-old still has more than three and a half years left on his current contract.
After Croatia’s World Cup run, Juranovic was given a week off, and his injuries will be evaluated. He missed the third-place play-off victory over Morocco on Saturday. Right-back Alistair Johnston of Canada has already been signed by Celtic to a five-year contract. The defender from CF Montreal was acquired by the Hoops for an initial sum of £3.5 million. He will formally sign with the team in January.
“We want teams to look at our players, and we want people to talk about our soccer team. I believe these are all good things. It’s excellent that he’s drawing attention. I want people to notice our players. They wouldn’t be succeeding if they weren’t being noticed,” Celtic head coach Ange Postecoglou said about Josip Juranovic linked with Barcelona. “I don’t even consider it. I hope all of our players are receiving attention at the end of the day because that shows we have good players here. That, in my opinion, is the most crucial factor. We want attention for many of our players, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so.”
For more transfer news, click here
