JOSIP JURANOVIC today completed his move from Celtic to Bundesliga club Union Berlin.
The Croatian World Cup star signed a five-year contract with the German side which could be worth up to £10million for the champions.
Juranovic, who cost £2.5million when the Hoops signed him from Legia Warsaw in August 2021, has brought an end to the guessing game about his future which has been intense since the 27-year-old defender rejected an enhanced contract from the Parkhead side in November.
CHEERS…Josip Juranovic and Kyogo Furuhashi celebrate Celtic’s Premier Sports League Cup triumph in December 2021.
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United were among the clubs linked with the player, but the team that sits fifth in the German top-tier have won the race.
The fee is reported to be £7.5 million plus add-ons and Juranovic, speaking to the club website, said: “The transfer to Union fulfils my dream of being able to play in one of the best football leagues in the world.
“The Bundesliga is intense and robust, which suits my game. I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans at the Alte Forsterei soon.
“In Berlin, I want to improve even more and take the next step in my career.”
Juranovic, who has made 27 appearances for his country, won the Premiership and Premier Sports League Cup in Ange Postecoglou’s debut season at the club.
ON THE MOVE…Josip Juranovic has quit Celtic for the Bundesliga.
He was allowed to sit out Celtic’s 5-0 Scottish Cup win over Championship side Morton yesterday. He took in the game from the stand before heading to Berlin via Edinburgh Airport later in the day.
He came through his medical with flying colours and cemented the contract today.
A Celtic statement read: “Josip Juranovic has joined the German Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin. The Croatian defender has moved to the German club having won both the league title and the League Cup in his first season with the Hoops and he followed that up by reaching the Qatar World Cup semi-final with his national side where they lost to eventual winners, Argentina.
“Everyone at the club wishes Josip all the best in his future career.”
