Celtic handed transfer boost as boss confirms £3.5m target has played his final game after emotional farewell
The Hoops face stiff Belgian and French competition for the Canadian international’s signature
Celtic target Niko Sigur appears set to leave Hajduk Split after manager Gonzalo Garcia confirmed the Canadian international has played his final game for the Croatian club.
The 22-year-old has been on the Scottish champions’ radar for some time, with interest in the versatile midfielder understood to have stretched back to before the World Cup.
However, the Hoops are not alone in the race for Sigur, with competition intensifying in recent days. Belgian club Genk have made their interest concrete with a reported £3.5 million offer for the Canada international, while Toulouse - managed by former Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou - are also understood to have tabled a bid in the region of £2.5m.
Sigur's situation now appears to be moving towards a resolution after he helped Hajduk secure a dramatic extra-time victory over Rakow Czestochowa in their Europa Conference League play-off this week.
He played an important role in the contest before receiving an emotional farewell from his manager and teammates. Garcia then revealed that both Sigur and Rokas Pukstas, who is expected to complete a move to Middlesbrough, are likely to depart Hajduk imminently.
Speaking after the win, the Hajduk boss described an emotional dressing-room scene and praised both players for their commitment during what could prove to be their final appearance for the club.
“We cried together in the dressing room with Niko Sigur,” Garcia said. “I think this is the best way for someone to leave. He was very emotional, along with Rokas Pukstas, because they are both probably leaving.”
Celtic-linked midfielder delivers inspirational dressing room message
Sigur adopted a leadership role during the tie, delivering an inspirational message to his team mates before the beginning of extra-time. Garcia highlighted that moment as further evidence of the character shown by the midfielder during his time at Hajduk.
“Niko gave an inspirational talk to his teammates before the start of extra time too,” he added . “I'm proud of how he and Rokas fought for the team.”
The manager's comments will only increase speculation surrounding Sigur's next destination, with Celtic, Genk and Toulouse all understood to be monitoring the situation closely.
However, it’s understood that Alistair Johnston's international team-mate is keen on a move to Parkhead. According to Croatian football pundit and former Poland international Łukasz Gikiewicz, Celtic have won the race for Sugur’s signature deal.
He posted on X earlier this week: "Two outgoing transfers after Thursday’s match in Częstochowa agreed. Rokas Pukštas to Middlesbrough. Niko Sigur to Celtic.”
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