Manchester United may face a battle with Barcelona, ​​Atlético Madrid and an unnamed Premier League club in the race to sign Croatian World Cup star Josip Juranovic in the transfer window of January.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move to Celtic’s fullback since last summer, with Erik ten Hag out of viable options for the right-hand side of their defence.
Diogo Dalot has made leaps and bounds under the Dutchman, but with Aaron Wan-Bissaka heavily out of favor (and probably heading for an exit), the right-back has become a priority position for United to strengthen themselves.
Juranovic was immense for his country during the World Cup in Qatar and was a key part of one of the most stingy defenses in the competition.
With United’s interest having been a source of speculation in the months leading up to the tournament, it now looks like a transfer battle is looming for the right-back.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth recently tweeted the following:
“Barcelona interested in signing the right side of Celta Josip Juranovic. 2 unnamed Premier League clubs also enthusiasts and Atletico Madrid.
“Juranovic impressed with Croatia at the World Cup, he played every minute. Celtic have signed right-back Alistair Johnston.”
Barcelona interested in signing the right side of Celta Josip Juranovic. 2 unnamed Premier League clubs also enthusiasts and Atletico Madrid. Juranovic impressed with Croatia at the World Cup, he played every minute. Celtic have signed right-back Alistair Johnston. with @AnthonyRJoseph #FCB #Celtic
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) December 19, 2022
Given the interest from United reporters and the dire need to compete for Dalot, it’s hard to imagine the Red Devils not being one of the two anonymous Premier League clubs mentioned by Sheth.
Atlético have also been a part of interest, however the news of Barcelona’s takeover may well lead to one of the most high-profile transfer sagas of the January window.
Juranovic has impressed for both club and country and with Celtic having already signed a replacement, it is believed that he could be made available for a reasonable fee.
With Celtic’s previous record output still being Kieran Tierney at 27m, the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United are likely to see the Croatian as a very viable option financially.
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