FC Luzern coach Mario Frick admits Ardon Jashari is likely to leave this summer but a move to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic will provide the Switzerland international with a greater set of challenges.
It’s fair to say the youngster has got used to life as a nailed-on starter in the Swiss Super League.
At the age of 20, he is already the captain of FC Luzern. Except for the one game he missed through suspension, Ardon Jashari has played all-but nine minutes across the last 30 domestic matches.
Should Celtic fight off competition from the likes of FC Porto, Lazio and Atalanta, however, Jashari would not find himself in such a privileged position. In Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, David Turnbull, Aaron Mooy and more, Postecoglou has a veritable treasure trove of midfield diamonds at his disposal.
Frick, however, is backing Jashari to do what he does best, and rise to the challenge.
Will Ardon Jashari join Celtic?
“We have to be realistic,” the coach said when asked by the Luzerner Zeitung about the prospect of Jashari leaving this summer.
“It always depends on the type (of club he joins). If he takes the next step, he will experience tougher competition than here in Luzern. Then he will have to use his elbows.
“But he came through a good school in Luzern.”
Celtic are one of the clubs leading the chase for a man some have likened to Jude Bellingham due to his mature mindset and all-action style. Time will tell, however, if the Hoops can stump up a fee in the region of £7 million (Blick).
Frick, who claims that Jashari is a footballer with ‘no limits’, sees further similarities with fellow Swiss international Granit Xhaka. Comparisons talent scout Oliver Zesiger tends to agree with.
“Jashari has a personality that qualifies him as a leader. You rarely see that at this age,” Zesiger adds.
“Physically, Granit is stronger. (But) both players can move the ball in progression. In addition, the two are good at reading a game and winning the ball back.
“If things continue, then he’ll definitely end up at a club in one of the top five leagues (in Europe).”
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