Football

World Cup 2022: Croatia Fullback Could Make West Ham Move

World Cup 2022: Croatia Fullback Could Make West Ham Move

Croatia’s star fullback, Josip Juranovic, has been reported to be moving closer to a West Ham move after impressing the Hammers playing for his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Recent rumors suggest that the player, currently contracted to Celtic Football club in Scotland, could move for a meagre 5 million pound fee, in what would be a great deal for Premier League club West Ham.

Celtic’s Talented Croatia International

ImgMini

The Croatian has had an impressive World Cup tournament, playing mostly at right back. Juranovic’s form has been a continuation of his performances for Celtic after moving to Ange Postecoglu’s side last year.

Since then the star has won the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Premier League as Celtic have  looked a club revitalized under their Australian manager. The club have also played Champions League football this season although disappointingly for the side, their group stage performance has seen them out of Europe for the season.

On Saturday, Juranovic is likely to start for Croatia in their 3rd place play-off against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. As both sides were knocked out of the tournament’s running at the semi-final stage, the winner of today’s fixture will be awarded third-place at the competition.

Traditionally, the play-off has featured reluctant performances from its contestants, often still heartbroken after losing at the semi-final stage. However, with bronze medals on the line, these sides may be up for it. The game will act as a warm up for tomorrow’s final featuring France and Argentina at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.

Juranovic to Make Celtic Departure in January

According to a recent report by Spanish news outlet, Fichajes, Juranovic has now moved close to moving to West Ham for 5 million pounds. The publication also claims that La Liga side Atletico Madrid are interested in the fullback, and intend to contest West Ham for his signature.

It has also been suggested that Celtic could ask for a fee as little as 6 million euros (or 5 million GBP) for the Croatian. Hoops fans may find that hard to believe however, given the pivotal role Juranovic has played at right-back (and often left-back too) for their club.

The 27-year old joined Celtic from Legia Warsaw last summer for just 3 million euros. Following the move, the Celtic penalty taker played 35 times for the club in all competitions, hitting the back of the net five times and assisting twice.

In 2022/2023, Juranovic has made 15 appearances for the Glasgow side, scoring and assisting once for the club in the Scottish Premiership. The side currently sit top of the Scottish table, six points ahead of arch rivals Rangers.

Ex-Celtic Star’s Juranovic Evaluation

Although Transfermarkt.com suggests that Juranovic’s value is around six and a half million euros, Celtic would feel robbed of such a talented player for as low a fee as that.

Ex-Celtic star Chris Sutton has recently spoken on the matter, estimating Juranovic’s value at a lot higher sum.

Writing in the Daily Record newspaper, Sutton suggested that the Croatian values at least five times higher than Fichajes’ valuation.

“It would be excellent for the club’s balance sheet and the evolution of the squad if they get the right price,” he said, ” I’ve already stated that, if Celtic are going to sell, they should be driving a very hard bargain and fighting for top dollar.

“I’d be starting with an asking figure for £25million,” he added.

“Given the stupid money being paid out from some leagues and the desperation of January buying, I certainly believe they’d be selling themselves short with anything that dips well below the £20million mark.”

Whatever the price, the player looks likely to make a move in the upcoming January transfer window.  Celtic  have recently brought in Canadian International fullback, Alistair Johnston, from MLS side CF Montreal, for around 3.5 million as a potential replacement for Juranovic.

 

 


Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!