Sead Haksabanovic admits he is now training ‘alone’ after Scottish Premiership champions Celtic turned down the chance to sign Rubin Kazan’s former West Ham United forward, speaking to Aftonbladet.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
Just last year, Haksabanovic joined Rubin Kazan on a long-term contract, that £6 million transfer fee making him the most expensive export in the history of IFK Norrkoping.
15 months later, his footballing future looks about as certain as a HBO Max exclusive. Rubin’s disastrous relegation from the Russian Premier League means Haksabanovic is almost certain to be on the move again. But one potential destination has already closed it’s borders.
Celtic turn down Sead Haksabanovic
According to Sport Express, Rubin tried to tempt Celtic into taking the 23-year-old former West Ham youngster off their hands.
The Hoops did sign Carl Starfelt from the Kazan-based club during Ange Postecoglou’s first summer at the helm. But they had no intention of repeating the trick. Perhaps that had something to with Jota’s return to Parkhead; The prancing Portuguese continuing to thrive in the left-wing role where Haksabanovic does most of his best work.
In addition to Jota, Celtic also have Daizen Maeda and Mikey Johnston capable of playing on the left-hand side.
“I have nothing to say right now, unfortunately,” Haksabanovic said when quizzed about his future, the frustration palpable. “Now, I train alone.”
The Sweden-born Montenegro international has been keeping himself fit at Allsvenskan outfit Djurgarden. But sporting director Bosse Andersson does not believe Haksabanovic will be plying his trade at the Tele2 Arena on a full-time basis.
“I am quite up to date with his situation. I don’t think Djurgarden is an option,” Andersson admits.
“There are certainly other options that he will consider. It’s a difficult position he’s in. It’s important to find an environment where he can play football at least until July 1 next year.”
Time will tell where Haksabanovic ends up next. It would be a surprise if he’s on the market for much longer, given how high his stock was this time last year.
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