James McFadden has told Open Goal that he expects Celtic defender Josip Juranovic to leave Parkhead in the January window with the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea and West Ham all interested in taking him to the Premier League.
Juranovic, 27, has gone from strength to strength since joining Celtic. He has since clocked up 50 appearances for the Hoops since his move in 2021 – having a hand in 12 goals. It has seen him become first choice for Croatia on the right.
At the World Cup, he was excellent – playing a crucial role in Croatia reaching the semi-finals. He returns to Parkhead with a bronze medal – but he will find that Celtic have already signed a replacement, in Canada’s Alistair Johnston.
That’s according to The Sunday Post (11/12, back page) claim that Newcastle, West Ham and Chelsea are all keen. The Record report Celtic value him at £17million. Even Barcelona want him. McFadden expects Juranovic to leave Celtic.
“It looks like he’s going to be away. His performances at the World Cup, the teams that are mentioned, you would expect it that he’ll be away. I don’t think it will be massive money, but it’ll be a nice profit on £2.5m,” McFadden said.
McFadden expects Celtic defender Juranovic to leave Parkhead in January
So, where is his best move? Roma, Torino, Atletico Madrid and others are also being linked. But if he was to move down south, you would surely say that a move to West Ham is his ideal transfer. The Hammers remain in Europe.
Chelsea have Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta. Newcastle have Kieran Trippier – and Emil Krafth as cover. West Ham are likely to lose Vladimir Coufal in January, if not the summer, with his deal ending in 2023. Thilo Kehrer has come in.
But his performances have been unconvincing and he might be better in the middle. Ben Johnson is a talent, but is he ready to start week in, week out? Surely, David Moyes and West Ham would be Juranovic’s best move in January.
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