Interest in reported Celtic target Ivan Basic is beginning to grow…
Reports surfaced last week, in the aftermath of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s match against Alistair Johnston’s Canada, that the Hoops had been impressed with Benjamin Tahirovic’s midfield partner at international level.
Basic caught the eye of Martin O’Neill
Originally retaining major interest in Tahirovic of Brondby in Denmark, Basic caught the eye of Martin O’Neill and the club’s recruitment team with his performance against the Canadians in Toronto, on the opening game for both teams of the 2026 World Cup.
The playmaker was heavily involved in everything good that Bosnia created on the night, whilst he dovetailed really well with Tahirovic too.
Celtic require a major rebuilding job in midfieldÂ
Celtic will require a major rebuilding job in the central midfield area this close season too, with Arne Engels set to leave in what will be a record-breaking deal, with clubs in England, Italy and Germany all strongly tipped to make bids for the Belgian star.
Added to this, is Reo Hatate’s official tranfer request after several years at Parkhead and the certain departure of Paulo Bernardo, whilst Benjamin Nygren looks Tottenham-bound, if reports are to be believed.
Callum McGregor isn’t getting any younger
That means that there will be plenty of space for additions, as Celtic captain Callum McGregor isn’t getting any younger either and cannot keep up this constant 60-plus games a season feat forever – although the club would love to try and make him, to avoid buying quality players. It is a sad, yet unfortunately true reflection of how Celtic are run these days and is so frustrating as a supporter to watch.
Meanwhile, Basic is said to be courting serious attention for his talents this window too, as Kazakh outlet, Sports24.kz, claim that Spanish side Elche and Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany are monitoring the playmaker with a view to making a bid, whilst Levski Sofia of Bulgaria are also looking into the Bosnian international, with the Hoops in the mix as well.
Ivan Basic available for around €2-3 millionÂ
The 24-year-old is said to be available for around €2-3 million and Astana are said to be hoping that with a continued strong showing over at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Basic might even fetch more. With so much upheaval at the club this summer, recruitment has to be spot on and perhaps the club view signing two players who know each other from international football can help ease the burden of bedding in.
It will be interesting to see if the club go for one or indeed, both Bosnian midfielders in the coming weeks ahead…
Paul Gillespie
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1 Comment
Will be interesting to see how MoN decides to set up our midfield areas?
Opting for the 3CB option, allows for our full backs to potentially play as wider options in a midfield 4?
Even at that, a potential defensive midfielder would need to be added, so a play making midfield could become more effective imo?
Potentially allows for ourselves to play a more aggressive pressing game, that could be more effective in transitional play, especially if we are going to be without Maeda?
Of course that decision lays with MoN, but still say he will be looking for a more functional midfield in operation for next season, all the same imo?
Personally hope Calmac is going to be used in a more advanced play making role, next season, than trying to play the role from the deeper position, which he has become accustomed to, over the past 3 seasons imo?
Even at that, wouldn’t or couldn’t expect him to do the role, of every minute of every game policy either, as would certainly need a helping hand in that regards also?
Speculation admittedly, but we do require more strength physically within our midfield options, especially as getting bullied on to many occasions within games, last season for my liking?
Agreed that both Bosnian players, could potentially make such a transition easier for ourselves?
But without knowing what the intentions of MoN are yet, it’s impossible to say as to whether either of both are genuine targets?
Even at that, can we even convince them, that the prospect of SPFL football on offer, is a good career move for themselves?
Easiest way to find out, is by offering them a decent financial package for themselves? But we still seem reluctant to do so for some reason still?