Celtic told to sign ‘proper’ right-back amid exit rumours

Celtic find themselves in a difficult position when it comes to the future of Josip Juranovic. Rumours have suggested that the Croatian is set to leave the club after the World Cup, after talks over a contract extension have led nowhere. Of course, it is not ideal to let a starter go in the middle of the season but then, his value is expected to be at its peak following the tournament in Qatar, where he is starting for Croatia.

Juranovic has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United in the past. Celtic were believed to have signed him for a transfer fee around £2.5 million from Legia Warsaw in the summer of 2021 but should expect a figure north of £15 million for his signature now.

It goes without saying that Celtic will need to bring in a replacement, if Juranovic does indeed end up leaving the club after the World Cup. Anthony Ralston is a very good cover option but he needs competition.

As reported by Football Insider, Frank McAvennie said about the situation:

"“We have seen Tony Ralston come in and he does alright.“Juranovic is a proper full-back. No disrespect to Ralston, in Scotland he is scoring goals and creating chances. Going forward he is unbelievable and he scores goals now.“He is obviously relishing in the challenge but he needs the competition. It is the same with [Alexandro] Bernabei and Greg Taylor, all of a sudden he stepped up.“I think we definitely need a proper full-back. Somebody that can push Ralston.“"

Celtic told to sign proper right-back in order to replace Juranovic

It does feel like Celtic have already identified Alistair Johnston as the man to replace Juranovic in the squad.

Admittedly, most Celtic fans would have heard his name for the first time as he put in a solid display against Belgium at the World Cup, as Canada lost by a goal to nil against the European giants.

Incidentally, Johnston’s Canada will face off against Juranovic’s Croatia at the World Cup, in what could be a present vs future clash for Celtic fans.

Johnston currently plays for MLS side, CF Montreal, and is believed to have been one of the best defenders in the league in recent times. A deal to join Celtic is rumoured to be on the verge of completion.