Josip Juranovic in action for Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea can sign Celtic and Croatia right-back Josip Juranovic for £17 million, according to Sportske Novosti (h/t Manchester Evening News). Manchester United and Barcelona are also interested in the 27-year-old.
Juranovic enjoyed a stellar World Cup in Qatar as he was a regular for his country on the right side of their defence. The defender played in six games, helping his side reach the semi-finals which they lost to eventual winners Argentina 3-0.
Graham Potter needs to reinforce the right side of our defence. While we have Reece James, one of the best in the world to ply his trade in that position for us, his recent injury has highlighted the lack of depth and competition in that area.
The England international picked up a knee injury during our 2-0 win over AC Milan in the group stage of the Champions League in October. He has since then been sidelined and even missed the World Cup with the Three Lions this year.
Potter has deployed multiple players in that position since James’ injury. The likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Ruben-Loftus Cheek, Denis Zakaria, Christian Pulisic and even Raheem Sterling have been used, but none could deliver performances like the Cobham graduate.
As such a new face is needed in that department and Juranovic fits that bill. The 27-year-old enjoyed a good tournament and also has been a regular for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. He has good experience under his belt and would make a decent backup to James.
He is also not costing a huge sum of money, unlike other young defenders in today’s market. But the Blues will have to fend off competition from United and Barcelona who are also looking to reinforce themselves ahead of the second half of the season.
Should the west London club win the race for his signature, he will have to play second fiddle to James. If the player has no problem with this, then it will be wise for the Blues to make a move for him as soon as possible.
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