If a recent update from journalist Mark Hendry in his Substack column (as posted in X) is believed to be true, Celtic are eyeing a January move for Franko Kovačević to resolve their striker conundrum. The scouts have been monitoring him in the Prva Liga, where he is enjoying a majestic run with 11 goals in 14 appearances donning the NK Celje colours.
The 26-year-old former Croatia youth international has been a journeyman after spending his youth years with Varaždin, Bjelovar and Rijeka back in his homeland. Despite drawing interest from Bayern Munich, the high-flying ‘number 9’ opted for Hajduk Split for first-team experience.
However, Kovačević struggled for minutes at Stadion Poljud and was eventually loaned out to the fellow Prva HNL outfit Rudes. Although the latter activated the option-to-buy clause, the attacker was sold to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim a week later. Besides featuring for their reserves, he spent brief stints in the US and Cyprus with Cincinnati and Pafos.
His Scintillating Run In Slovenia
Meanwhile, a low-key transfer to the Slovenian side Domžale proved to be a productive year. Kovačević then tried his luck in Germany and South Korea with Wehen Wiesbaden and Gangwon, but returned to Slovenia in favour of a transfer to Celje last summer after failing to make a difference up top.
But he has been exquisite for the Counts, with 25 goals in 28 appearances across competitions. While the mediocrity of Slovenian football might cast doubts over his ability to adapt to the aggression of the Scottish game, 12 goals in 13 European outings should ease the fans’ minds, as the centre-forward has maintained his standard against stronger opponents.
Why Celtic Need A ‘Number 9’
The Hoops are back in the title race following the re-appointment of Martin O’Neill as the interim boss. Wilfried Nancy derailed their campaign with 6 defeats in 8 games during his disastrous 33-day tenure as the Parkhead chief; however, the expertise of the iconic Irishman helped them script successive wins against Dundee United and Falkirk.
Having said that, O’Neill has reiterated the necessity of reinforcements amid injuries to key names across the pitch. Their attack has been largely decimated due to the long-term absence of Kelechi Iheanacho, Callum Osmand and Jota, thus forcing the gaffer to deploy Daizen Maeda as an outright ‘number 9’, restricting his all-round traits.
Johnny Kenny is a decent option from the bench, but he lacks the intensity of spearheading the frontline week in and week out. Kovačević, enjoying the form of his life, must be fascinated by the opportunity of playing in front of 60,000 Celtic fans, regardless of rumoured interest from Levski Sofia and Ferencvaros.
