Josip Juranovic is no longer a Celtic player. After a long-drawn saga, that saw him being linked with clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, AS Roma and several others, the Croatian international has completed a transfer move to Union Berlin. It is believed that the initial fee is around £7.5 million, but it could rise to around £10 million with add-ons.
While Union Berlin might not be a glamourous name in European football, like some of the others that Juranovic had been linked with, they are a solid club without a shadow of a doubt.
Union Berlin finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season and find themselves sitting at third this time around. Thus, it is not hard to understand why Juranovic chose to join the club.
Of course, it brings to an end his run at Celtic Park, where he enjoyed a lot of success. And Juranovic took to social media to send an emotional message to the supporters. He wrote on Instagram:
"What can I say…..what a memorable 18 months. My family and I will always remember every part of that journey. Thank you for making this a special time for us. Sharing the dressing room with so many amazing temmates in this short period of time was unforgettable experience! It was my pleasure working with manager,coaches and staff members. Big thanks to the fans. Each and every one of you made me feel special. Fireball will be always close to my heart! Glasgow will always be GREEN AND WHITE! Once a CELT, always a CELT."
Juranovic sends emotional message to Celtic fans after completing move to Union Berlin
It is safe to say that Juranovic leaving in the middle of the season is a major blow for Celtic, and their hopes of winning another treble.
Hopefully, Alistair Johnston will be able to cushion that blow. The Canadian full-back has arrived recently and done a very good in his first few appearances for Celtic. Let’s see if he can continue in that matter. Of course, the Hoops have another very good right-back at the club in the form of Anthony Ralston, who has proven himself as a difference maker time and again under the management of Ange Postecoglou.
In Juranovic, not only are Celtic seeing a great player leave, but a leader in the dressing room as well as a very popular figure amongst the fans. We can only wish him the best in his new journey at Union Berlin. Let Fireball play on forever!