Celtic find themselves in a unique position right now. There is very little doubt that they are the best team in the country. But then, at the same time, it also means that soon, clubs from down South and beyond, are expected to come after their players. Ange Postecoglou has already hinted that some stars could be on their way out in the future.
It is certainly interesting because most fans would have expected the club to still be in transition after the disaster that was the 2020/21 campaign and the number of first-team players that left after it.
Instead, they find themselves as the defending Premiership and League Cup champions, and are also nine points ahead of the Rangers in the league this time around. Consequently, a number of their players are being linked with exits and another mini rebuild might not be far away.
One player who has been linked with a Parkhead exit recently is Josip Juranovic. But Frank McAvennie believes that he should put pen to paper on a new contract out of respect for the club. As reported by Football Insider, the former Celtic star said:
"“If they are offering him a new contract now he should take it. Then Celtic are going to get more money out of it. It is a win-win for the player. If he has got respect for Celtic, and I think he does, then he will sign the contract.“It might never materialise, a move might not happen. He is such a good player and somebody will come in for him somewhere down the line.“He is getting a bit of security if he signs the contract and if he has a good World Cup then he will be gone.“"
Celtic star told to sign new contract out of respect for the club
It is believed that Celtic and Juranovic could not agree on terms of a contract extension, and the club are now considering parting ways with the player after the World Cup, when his transfer value might be at its highest if the Croatian international has a good tournament.
One has to point out that Juranovic has been a starter for Celtic ever since he arrived from Legia Warsaw and thus, him leaving in the middle of the season is not ideal at all. In fact, it could be a major blow if the club are not able to find a proper replacement.
At the same time though, one has to point out that Juranovic already has a long-term deal at Celtic and him extending it by a year or so would not have a major impact on things.