According to Hajduk Split president Luksa Jakobusic (as claimed by the Daily Record), Celtic target Mario Vuskovic is available for a summer transfer. However, the suitors must meet Hajduk’s financial demand to secure the services of this 19-year-old defender, and the growing interest in the teenager might lead to a bidding war in the upcoming months.
#HajdukSplit have rejected an official bid of €5M from #Celtic for the croatian centre back Mario #Vuskovic (born in 2001). #Torino are also interested in him and #Napoli have asked info last January. #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) April 23, 2021
The rumour surfaced following Nicolo Schira’s tweet a couple of days ago and the update from the club president has refuelled speculations amid Celtic’s defensive conundrum all throughout the 2020-21 season.
“I can neither confirm nor deny the recent reports about a bid for Mario. The player will only be sold if the deal represents a good business sense for the club. We are no longer in a position where we have to sell players to survive. The club is in a much better position financially and we will look at Mario’s position at the end of the season.”
Told Jakobusic (as quoted by the Daily Record) who is set to play hardball for the prized asset.
Celtic’s Ongoing Defensive Crisis
The Hoops, meanwhile, roped in Shane Duffy on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in a high-profile transfer. But the Irishman failed miserably to justify his reputation, whereas Christopher Jullien’s season-ending injury forced the club to promote young Stephen Welsh in the heart of the backline.
Welsh, alongside Kristoffer Ajer, restored the stability to some extent, however, the Norwegian might part ways in the summer window amid interest from an array of European heavyweights. Nir Bitton, too, might return to his homeland upon completion of the current campaign and the crisis at the back would only worsen unless they fix the shortcomings immediately.
A Rising Sensation With A Bright Career Road
Celtic target Mario Vuskovic has represented his nation at various youth levels and is currently a regular for their U21s. He has progressed through the academy ranks of Hadjuk and featured 26 times so far this season across competitions for their senior side. An arm injury restricted his appearances last term, but the youngster has eventually grabbed the first-team status and earned plaudits for his composure as well as adaptability in various defensive set-ups. Clubs are circling like vultures to snap him up, and it is to be seen now how the Bhoys react in the summer window to strike a deal for the Croatian.
