Josip Juranovic has been a key starter for Celtic ever since he arrived in the summer of 2021 from Legia Warsaw. He has been important to the club not just for his contributions on the pitch, but as a leader in the dressing room as well. Unfortunately, his time at Parkhead seems to be on the verge of completion though, as the Croatian international looks set to join Union Berlin.
Juranovic was always expected to leave Celtic this month, especially after an excellent World Cup campaign. And after being linked with European giants like Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, AS Roma and several others, it is Union Berlin that he is set to join.
Union Berlin are a very decent team though and are competing for a top four place in the Bundesliga table. Thus, it is not hard to understand why Juranovic might be headed there.
And while one would have expected Ange Postecoglou to be absolutely disappointed about losing a starter in the middle of the season, the manager seems okay with the move and even agrees with Juranovic. As reported by the Daily Record, he said:
"“I can’t question Josip’s contribution, he has been fantastic. Josip has absolutely loved his time here and he will remember it fondly and he gets an opportunity to do further things in his career and for his family. He’s been given permission to travel and he’ll have a medical with Union Berlin.“I assume that if all goes well then he’ll move. I think he’s been fantastic, I’ve loved working with Josip. He’s been a really popular member of the dressing room, he’s been a key contributor last year to what was a very, very important season, in the context of what had happened the season before.“The fact we had to rebuild the team and get back to where we wanted to be in terms of champions then he was a key component of that. With all of the lads, I’m constantly in dialogue with them about themselves and their careers and people have to appreciate Josip is 28-years-old but he hasn’t really got to the highest level until late in his career.“He just wants to maximise his opportunities, to be honest. I agree with him. That’s what all of us have in our careers, a limited time and we want to take opportunities. He leaves here as a fantastic player and as somebody who contributed to what was a really important season for us.”"
Celtic boss makes surprising Juranovic claim
Of course, a lot of the fears that Celtic fans had about Juranovic leaving in the middle of the season have been reduced, thanks to the performances of Alistair Johnston since arriving.
It seems like the club have pulled off another masterstroke by signing the Canadian international and Johnston will be the next nailed on starter at right-back for the club.
That is not to say that Celtic will not miss Juranovic and his undeniable quality. It would have been much better if he stayed on till the end of the season and helped the club to a few more titles. But it is what it is, and one can only wish him the best for his future.