Chris Sutton doesn’t see any problem or issue with Celtic’s attempt to sign Sead Haksabanovic from Rubin Kazan.
The Montenegro internationalist is described mainly as a left-winger which seems to be an area of the pitch that Celtic have well covered with Jota and Daizen Maeda providing very different but effective options.
It isn’t too much of a leap to think that there could be a forward on the move with Haksabanovic joining the club but having played alongside Henrik Larsson and John Hartson for three years Sutton sees things differently.
Explaining the position at Celtic, Sutton told Daily Record readers:
Ange Postecoglou is clearly determined to keep driving Celtic forward. When it comes to having top players and excellent options, it’s my view that you just can’t have enough. Interest in Sead Haksabanovic has brought some interesting commentary in the past 48 hours as regards the situation within the Celtic squad.
The Montenegro international is noted mainly as a left winger and perhaps the wide positions are an area where the squad is well stocked. If you consider that Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest can all operate there, there are already options and choices.
But, if you want two to start and two to come off the bench on any given day to freshen things up in games, that means Celtic are still in a position where one injury leaves them short and unable to do that.
Postecoglou has already gone on record to say that Mikey Johnston is not going to get regular opportunities this term and he wants him out and playing on loan, so, realistically, they currently have four.
Haksabanovic can play off the right hand side as well according to what I’ve heard and also in a central position. Right now, there is only really Matt O’Riley there for that area just behind the central striker after the departure of Tom Rogic and one man is not enough.
Especially if the club is going to be playing another 50-odd games this season and the Danish Under-21 cap is going to have regular international commitments, potentially even a World Cup in Qatar with Kasper Hjulmand’s senior squad.
News of Haksabanovic seems to be contradictory, after two days where it seemed to be gaining momentum, The Sun claimed that a Friday medical in London was possible but yesterday Anthony Joseph tweeted that three other clubs were in talks with the winger. A few hours later Celtic were close to agreeing a deal!
Haksabanovic is under contract with Rubin Kazan until June 2026.
UPDATE: Celtic are tonight close to agreeing a deal with Rubin Kazan for winger Sead Haksabanovic.@SkySportsNews understands the Hoops are also interested in Hadjuk Split defensive midfielder Jani Atanasov – though, no formals talks have taken place at this stage. https://t.co/igC7j425wf
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 19, 2022
Makes sense!