Chelsea to ramp up efforts to land Celtic star following Reece James injury. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson has urged the Blues to sign Celtic and Croatia right-back Josip Juranovic as a potential backup to first-choice defender Reece James.
James suffered a knee injury back in October during the Champions League group-stage game against AC Milan. Since then, the 23-year-old has been out on the sidelines and as a result, even missed out on making the squad for the World Cup with England.
The Cobham graduate is expected to be back in action later this month, when the Blues host Bournemouth on December 27 as they return to competitive football after a month-long break.
Graham Potter has been keen to add reinforcements to the right side and now former defender Johnson while speaking to Midnite (h/t Express) has urged the west London side to make a move for Juranovic.
“Juranovic would be a great signing for Chelsea. He looks very quick and very efficient going forward, he had a great tournament for Croatia and has performed well at Celtic. James’ injury is not that bad for Juranovic to replace him. Juranovic would be a great backup to James, and coming from Celtic, he won’t be a £80 million player, it will be a simple deal. But I can’t see him replacing James.”
Juranovic moved to Scotland in 2021 and established himself as a regular for his side. He also started in six games for his country at the World Cup this year, helping them reach the semi-finals before they were knocked out 3-0 by eventual winners Argentina.
His experience makes him a fine addition to have in one’s team, especially if he is to provide competition to a regular. James has been the best player for his side so far, despite his injury and is likely to continue as a starter once he returns.
The Croatian sees his current contract with Celtic expire in 2026 (transfermarkt). This puts the Scottish club in an advantageous position to negotiate a deal to their liking, with the right-back seeing his stock rise since the tournament in Qatar.
It remains to be seen if the Blues do make a move for him in January. A backup is needed for James as his injury has proved the lack of depth in that area. Who is brought in to reinforce that department, only time will tell.
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