Chris Sutton is adamant Celtic should demand £25million next month for Josip Juranovic.
The Croatia star is gearing up for a World Cup semi-final appearance against Argentina tomorrow night in Qatar. Juranovic has won huge praise after his man of the match performance against Brazil when his side knocked the pre-tournament favourites out. The 27-year-old is attracting interest from around Europe with Celtic’s raid for Canada star Alistair Johnston opening the door to a January move.
Ex-Celt Sutton, who is in Qatar working at the World Cup, believes his old club should try to keep Juranovic until the end of the season due to the importance of winning a second straight Premiership title and earning automatic re-entry to the group stage of the Champions League. However, if he is to go in next month’s window, he says Celtic should be demanding top dollar at this key point of the campaign with the player’s stock also at an all-time high and his contract not due to expire until 2026.
Sutton said: “Juranovic’s performance against Brazil was seen across the world. Why shouldn’t Celtic be able to ask for big money?
“I believe they should try to keep him until next summer as he’s such an important player and Celtic have a title to be secure. But, if circumstances dictate that he is to go next month, it should be for a premium rate.
“Of course, the two biggest aspects are maybe the fact he is playing in Scotland and the fact he is 27 years of age.
“Firstly, which league he plays should be of no concern. He’s performed in the Champions League and just been Man of the match against one of the world’s best teams and one of their best players in Vinicius Junior.
“Secondly, 27 is not old. He’s possibly approaching his prime. There may not be major sell-on value for a buyer, but when has that ever bothered the major clubs around Europe?
“My experiences tell me that a lot of buying within the bigger leagues that gets done in January has a degree of panic or desperation about it.
“I’m not comparing them as players, but Kieran Tierney, a full back, left Celtic to join Arsenal for £25m. Yes, Kieran was younger, but Juranovic is now going to have a World Cup semi-final on his CV. He and Croatia might even win the tournament.
“Juranovic is a first-pick for a country who are consistently high performers at major tournaments and in major competitions.
“Given the position of it being mid-season, given the fact Juranovic will just have come off a starring role at a World Cup and given the fact Celtic do not need to sell, they should aim high.
“Ange Postecoglou says there will be movement in and out of the door to generate money to buy better. Right now, Juranovic can generate plenty. If it means they take less in the summer and a second straight title is in the bag, then that’s a fair trade off.”
