Scottish Premiership champions Celtic signed their long-term defensive target Filip Benkovic from Premier League Leicester City this summer on loan.
Celtic have been scouting Filip Benkovic since January 2017, when he was earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs at Dinamo Zagreb, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
A year-and-a-half later, the Croatian finally pitched up at Parkhead. Benkovic signed for Leicester City this summer for £13 million but, with Harry Maguire, Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu ahead of him in the pecking order, moved to his long-time admirers on loan.
And, in quotes reported by the Daily Record, Benkovic has admitted that he chose Celtic despite interest from elsewhere.
“There were other loan options – clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany, but I just wanted to go to Celtic. I think this is the best option for me for preparing for football in England and their Premier League – that’s why I am delighted to go to Celtic,” the 21-year-old said.
“For their fans, Celtic is a way of life. It’s a privilege to be here. I think this is a great stage for me. My goal is not to be sitting in the stands, I want to play and I think this was a good decision for me to come here.”
How long Benkovic stays at Celtic, however, remains to be seen. He adds that Leicester could bring him back to the King Power in January if they see fit.
“I want to play as much as possible, so a season-long loan with Celtic was agreed and Leicester has the option of recalling me in the winter.”
Benkovic is yet to make his debut for the Scottish Premiership champions, left on the bench for the 1-0 Old Firm win against Rangers on Sunday. But if he lives up to his £13 million price-tag, don’t be surprised if he soon becomes their number one centre-back.
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