Celtic fans have been handed a worry in recent times as both Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis have been linked with moves away from the club. It goes without saying that both are key first-team players and them leaving in the middle of the campaign would be a blow to the Hoops’ plans for the rest of the season.
In terms of Juranovic, Celtic do seem to have brought in a good replacement in the form of Alistair Johnston. While it might be too early to judge, the Canadian international has impressed in his first couple of displays for the Hoops.
But when it comes to Giakoumakis, the Hoops have had a tougher time finding a replacement. Cho Gue-sung was believed to have been the club’s top target in this window but now, a move to Glasgow seems improbable for the South Korean striker.
Despite the constant exit rumours, judging by Ange Postecoglou’s comments, it does not look like either Juranovic or Giakoumakis are closing in on an exit. As reported by the Daily Record, the Celtic manager said:
"“I keep getting asked questions about Giako and Josip. I watch them every day and they are training hard, their attitude is first rate. They are not sitting around moping. There is nothing certain, no (bids for Giakoumakis). There is going to be speculation between now and the end of the window.“Michael Nicholson deals with the majority of that. If it gets to me we know it is serious but as of now there is nothing we need to address.”"
Celtic boss gives update amid exit rumours surrounding Giakoumakis and Juranovic
The fact that both players featured in the Scottish League Cup semi-final vs Kilmarnock does suggest that an exit might not be extremely close on the part of either player, contrary to what the rumours have suggested in recent times.
Juranovic started on the day and helped keep a clean sheet. On the other hand, Giakoumakis came on as a substitute and scored the second goal for the Hoops to put the game beyond any doubt.
Now, this is no guarantee that Juranovic or Giakoumakis or both, will not leave in the future. But for now, they are Celtic players.
The club already have a replacement in place, if Juranovic leaves. The situation of Giakoumakis is much more complicated though.