Celtic defender Josip Juranovic has rubbished suggestions he is set to leave Parkhead this summer amid interest from Atletico Madrid in his transfer, via quotes by the Daily Record.
Ange Postecoglou only signed the Croatian last summer, after agreeing a £2.5m deal with Legia Warsaw in August. The 26-year-old also proved to be a key piece of the Australian’s plans with 35 appearances, including starting in 23 of his 26 Premiership outings last term.
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Juranovic’s versatility also ensured he proved a worthwhile member of the Hoops dressing room throughout the Bhoys’ double title-winning campaign. Postecoglou relied on the 20-cap international to play from both sides of his defence, as well as occasionally in midfield.
Juranovic rubbishes Celtic exit speculation despite Atletico Madrid interest
Yet Fabrizio Romano reported in late June that Juranovic would be leaving Celtic with clubs from around Europe interested. The defender had caught the eye of Premier League teams and from across the continent with his displays, for both the Bhoys and Croatia in 2021/22.
Further reports by Sky Sports also emerged noting Atletico Madrid are interested in a deal with Celtic for Juranovic. Diego Simeone’s La Liga powerhouse are in the market for a new right-back after Kieran Trippier and Sime Vrsaljko left the Wanda Metropolitano this year.
A move away from Celtic within a year of joining is not on the horizon as far as Juranovic is concerned, though. Instead, the Croat – who is under contract to 2026 – is looking forward to making his Champions League debut, even if interest from Atletico Madrid is flattering.
“I hope there was something in the stories, but honestly, I didn’t even ask our manager or anything about it. I didn’t care,” he stated. “I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground.
“It was Atletico Madrid, after all, but I’m at a big club already [in] Celtic. Finally, I have the chance to play in the Champions League here. Just to hear the atmosphere, that anthem and to get to play on that stage.”
Despite Romano’s reports, the Daily Record add Celtic are desperate to fend off all interest in Juranovic this summer. So, Atletico Madrid will need to do far more than flatter the full-back to prise him from Postecoglou’s plans ahead of the Hoops’ Champions League return.
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