Spanish report on Celtic’s ‘complete unknown’ that is attracting big interest

Josip Juranovic has been described as a complete unknown in a report detailing Atletico Madrid’s interest in the Celtic defender.

A World Cup quarter-final appearance against Brazil on Friday should put Juranovic in the spotlight with Atletico likely to find other clubs stepping up interest in the Croatian right-back.

Atletico have struggled at right-back since selling Kieran Trippier to Newcastle at the start of the year, while checking out some of the best in the business in that position Juranovic has come to their attention.

Discussing Atletico’s January options, Spanish website Gol Digital reports:

Taking advantage of the celebration of the World Cup in Qatar, the rojiblanco team is closely following the performances of the full-backs. At the moment, in addition to big names like Hakimi, Trippier or Koundé, there is a footballer who has attracted the attention of important clubs. A player who is a complete unknown to the general public.

This footballer is Josip Juranovic, who has become the owner of the right lane behind Croatia. His work in the Croatian team is being key, being one of the most outstanding footballers in his position so far in the World Cup. That is why he has drawn the attention of several of the most powerful clubs in all of Europe.

Juranovic, the new Vrsaljko that Atlético de Madrid wants

His case is reminiscent of that of the Croatian footballer Vrsaljko, who went through the Madrid team without pain or glory. His stage as a rojiblanco was a complete disappointment and at the moment he finds himself without a team. Despite this, Atlético de Madrid is willing to repeat the formula, but this time with a teammate.

The Croatian footballer currently plays for Celtic in Glasgow, with whom he has a signed contract until 2026. This poses a serious problem in getting him signed, as the Scottish team does not want to lose one of its pillars. That is why, all those interested clubs like Atlético de Madrid in the fashionable side of the World Cup in Qatar, will have to scratch their pockets.

With Alistair Johnston already signed up it appears that Celtic are well prepared for interest in Juranovic next month.

Signed for around £2.5m in August 2021 the defender slotted in instantly to Ange Postecoglou’s side, demonstrating his versatility by looking very comfortable at left-back as well as his preferred right-back slot.

So far all of Ange Postecoglou’s transfer dealings have been arrivals, if Juranovic is sold that would kick-off a new stage in Celtic’s evolution as fans get to see player trading in action rather than simply the theory.