Fabrizio Romano has reported on Twitter that Celtic defender Josip Juranovic is closing in on a move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin – after previous links in the January window with Premier League clubs Newcastle, West Ham and Chelsea.
The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with the exit door ever since the World Cup. His performances for Croatia caught the eye, helping his nation finish the third-place play-off after losing to eventual winners Argentina in the semi.
The Sunday Post (11/12, back page) claimed that Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester United all wanted to sign Juranovic this month. He has also been loosely linked with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and even Barcelona.
However, it appears Juranovic has now found his new home. Romano reports that the right-back is set for a move to German football with Union. Talks are very advanced between Celtic, Union and the player and Here We Go is close.
Romano: Celtic defender Juranovic closing in on Union Berlin move
While Union are hardly the biggest club, they have impressed in the last couple of years. The German side remain in Europe, taking on Ajax in the Europa League knockout stages next month. They sit in a lofty fifth in the Bundesliga.
So, hardly the most-glamorous of moves for Juranovic given the size of the clubs he was linked with. But a team that are competing at the top end of the Bundesliga, still in Europe and in with a chance of qualifying for it next term.
Juranovic is valued at around £7m and is likely to set Union back around that figure. The Hoops have already planned for this eventuality, bringing in Canada star Alistair Johnston. Anthony Ralston remains at the club as another option.
Celtic have been busy this month. Bringing defenders Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi, as well Japanese Player of the 2022 season Tomoki Iwata. South Korea’s Oh Hyeon-gyu is expected to replace Giorgos Giakoumakis, as per Sky.
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