Soccer Football - Euro 2020 - Group D - Croatia v Czech Republic - Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - June 18, 2021 Croatia's Josip Juranovic during the warm up before the match Pool via REUTERS/Andy Buchanan
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic in the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas.
The Lowdown: Juranovic shines for Celtic
The Croatian has been an important figure for the Hoops since arriving from Legia Warsaw last summer, performing with consistency at right-back.
Juranovic started 23 games in the Premiership last season, helping Celtic to clinch title glory as he and Anthony Ralston shared the workload on the right-hand side of Ange Postecoglou’s defence.
However, a new transfer update suggests that the 25-year-old could be on the move this summer.
The Latest: Atletico linked with Juranovic
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Thomas claimed that Atletico see Juranovic as a possible addition before the start of next season.
He revealed:
“Exclusive: #AtleticoMadrid are interested in signing #Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic. More on #SSN and online soon.”
The Verdict: Keep hold of him
Juranovic may not necessarily be Celtic’s most glamorous figure but he is one of those players who makes a team tick, bringing solidity and character to a defence which conceded a league-low 22 goals last term.
For that reason, losing him to Atletico this summer would be a big blow, just as Ange Postecoglou’s men are about to embark on an exciting Champions League group stage campaign.
Will Postecoglou sign a new deal?
Yes
No
Juranovic’s defensive nous would arguably be the biggest loss – he averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in the league last season, ranking in the top three of regular first-teamers for the former – but three goals and one assist are also proof of the attacking quality that he can offer.
The hope is that he stays put in Glasgow for many years to come, ignoring Atletico’s advances in the process.
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