Celtic World Cup star now top Barcelona target amid links to Premier League duo
Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic is being targeted for a January deal by Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and two unnamed Premier League clubs, according to a recent report.
The 27-year-old impressed for Croatia in the World Cup, being a key player as his country finished in an impressive third place.
Barcelona are allegedly the favourites to sign Juranovic, but face competition from two unnamed Premier League clubs in the January window.
The Celtic defender put in some excellent performances in Qatar, which has put Juranovic on the radar of several big European clubs.
Juranovic played five of Croatia’s six matches at the World Cup, including the full 120 minutes of their quarter-final victory over Brazil.
Overall, he helped his country to two clean sheets and also contributed one assist against Canada in the group stages.
For Celtic, Juranovic has also been in fine form this season. He has featured eight times in the Scottish Premiership and impressively, in every league game the Croatian has played the Hoops have come out victorious.
The full-back also got some fantastic experience under his belt after featuring in all six of Celtic’s Champions League clashes this season. Despite his team failing to win a match, Juranovic’s fine performances are another reason why he is being targeted.
With Celtic already signing Alistair Johnston as a potential replacement for Juranovic. Selling the World Cup star could be a good bit of business while clubs are battling for his signature and his price is at a premium.
Competition for Juranovic is good news for Celtic
Barcelona fans have wanted a replacement for right-back Sergi Roberto for a long time, while their other option in Arsenal loanee Hector Bellerin has featured just three times this season.
For Barca, Juranovic would represent the solid defensive option they have been crying out for, as they look to keep their place at the top of the La Liga table.
According to Sky Sports News, Barcelona have made Juranovic their top target to fill the right-back position.
However, Atletico are also looking for defensive reinforcements, especially as they currently have just one right-back at the club, Nahuel Molina, who Diego Simeone is not convinced of.
Given this, the two Spanish giants may end up entering into a bidding war for Juranovic, which is good news for Celtic.
Additionally, two Premier League clubs are interested in the Croatian, though their identities are yet to be revealed.
The Celtic man still has three and a half years left on his current contract, so any January deal would command a sizeable transfer fee.
Considering the Glasgow side paid just £3.5m for Juranovic in 2019 and already have a replacement signing over the line, selling the Croatian could end up being an excellent bit of business.
