News broke out that Celtic had failed to agree a contract extension with Josip Juranovic, and while the club still have a long-term deal with the Croatian right-back, they are believed to be ready to let him go after the World Cup. The 27-year-old is expected to be a starter for his national team in Qatar and the Hoops would be hoping that that maximises his value.
Celtic signed Juranovic from Legia Warsaw for a transfer fee believed to be around £2.5 million and it has turned out to be a masterstroke. The Croatian has been linked with clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, and one would expect a figure north of £15 million for his Parkhead departure.
At the same time though, it hands Celtic the problem of having to replace him, as Juranovic has been a regular starter for the club since the day he arrived.
Celtic might have already been linked with the perfect right-back to replace him though, and it is Manchester City’s Yan Couto, who is currently on loan at Girona in La Liga.
Celtic must sign perfect Manchester City right-back to replace Juranovic
Couto was heavily linked with Celtic in the summer of 2021 and even visited Parkhead, but a move never materialised as he ended up going out on loan to Braga instead.
He had a very good season at the Portuguese club and is now at Girona. At the same time though, it is pretty clear that he might have a very small chance of ever breaking into the Manchester City first-team. As a result, a permanent move away might be the best step forward for him in the future.
Couto might not be great defensively, but going forward, he is an excellent right-back. He could suit Ange Postecoglou’s style of football to a T and as a result, the Hoops should consider making a move for him if or when Juranovic leaves.