Celtic battle European clubs for seven-figure transfer target - but have made no 'formal bids' despite rumours
Versatile midfielder is on the Hoops’ radar
Celtic have reportedly made ‘no formal bid’ for Hadjuk Split midfielder Niko Sigur despite rumours suggesting they’ve moved in for their transfer target.
The 22-year old has been the subject of seven-figure offers from Belgian side Genk and French outfit Toulouse but remains a Hadjuk Split player for the time being. The Croatian side face Rakow Czestochowa in the second leg of their Conference League play-off on Thursday night and aren’t willing to offload him before then.
The defensive minded midfielder impressed for Canada at the World Cup and in turn has several potential suitors. He can also play right back, which could come in handy for the Hoops if they lose current mainstay and Sigur’s international teammate Alistair Johnston, who has been the subject of transfer interest from Everton. A replacement for the Canadian would also be beneficial in the short term, given that he’s currently sidelined until October with a hamstring issue.
‘No formal bids’ for Sigur despite early reports
Rumours had circulated that Celtic has struck a deal with Split to sign Sigur after their European decider, however according to CeltsAreHere, they’ve done nothing of the sort. They claim: “No formal bid has been submitted by Celtic despite reports suggesting otherwise.
“Genk have submitted a €4 million (£3.4m) offer for Sigur, which is believed to Hadjuk’s asking price. Toulouse have also previously made an offer worth around €3 million (£2.5m). The French side are understood to have offered Sigur a more attractive contract, although no decision has yet been made on his future.”
Sigur - who is of Croatian heritage - signed for Hadjuk Split in 2022 and despite his young age has already notched over 100 appearances. At the World Cup, Canada manager Jesse Marsch fielded him in both of their knockout games before they were eliminated in the last 16.
Engels-shaped hole in midfield needing filled
Celtic’s humiliating defeat to LASK Linz in the Champions League further highlighted the need for reinforcements for the season ahead. In midfielder Arne Engels and forward Daizen Maeda, they’ve lost key men with bundles of energy who need replacing.
In the case of Engels, his work-rate in the middle of the park was particularly missed in the 5-1 second leg defeat. The Belgian signed for West Ham for an EFL Championship record-breaking fee of £22m. Sigur has been identified as a potential replacement, along with Torino maestro Gvidas Gineitis.
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