Jozo Simunovic remains a Celtic player after his move to Torino fell through on deadline day.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic pulled the plug on Jozo Simunovic’s move to Torino after the Italian club attempted to change details of the deal.
The Bhoys had boosted their defence earlier this summer by landing Kolo Toure, and he looks to be a partner for Erik Sviatchenko moving forward, whilst Brendan Rodgers also has Dedryck Boyata and talented youngster Eoghan O’Connell.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic (front) in action
Those options meant that Croatian ace Simunovic became almost like a forgotten man at Celtic Park, despite only signing for the club from Dinamo Zagreb as Virgil van Dijk’s replacement a year ago.
The 22-year-old suffered an injury-hit first season with the club, playing just 11 league games for the club – and on deadline day, he looked set to leave for Italy as Torino lined him as a replacement for Napoli-bound Nikola Maksimovic.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic celebrates scoring their second goal
However, the deal through and Simunovic now remains a Celtic player, at least until January – and The Scottish Sun have shed some light on just why the deal collapsed.
They claim that Torino tried to change terms in the £3.5m deal, and despite Simunovic being in Turin to complete the deal, Celtic pulled the plug after ‘tense negotiations’, according to the report.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic (R) in action with Kilmarnock’s Steven Smith (L)
It’s also added that manager Rodgers has been impressed with Simunovic’s attitude, and will now be in contention for a first-team place this season in a remarkable turn of events from 24 hours ago.
The Croatian flashed ability last season but must now stay fit to prove his worth to Celtic, or he may find himself on the verge of leaving the club again once the January transfer window arrives.
Do you think Simunovic has a long-term future at Celtic?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
