Celtic 'monitoring' 18-cap international as potential replacement for £25m Napoli linked star
The latest Celtic transfer news with a FIFA World Cup midfielder being lined up as a possible Arne Engels replacement.
Celtic could be set for a busy summer transfer window with several potential deals already being discussed amongst supporters, the media and pundits.
The Hoops have agreed a deal for Martin O’Neill to remain as head coach and the Northern Irishman will now get to work helping strengthen his first team options for next season. One player being linked with a move to the Scottish champions is former Hibs striker Kieron Bowie just six months after his switch to Hellas Verona in Italy.
Meanwhile, a current Celtic star also has interest from a Serie A heavyweight with a move possible in the next few weeks. If that does materialise then it could facilitate the need for the Glasgow club to find a replacement and that process has apparently already begun.
Celtic monitoring Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder at FIFA World Cup as Napoli lined with £25m rated midfielder
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic chiefs are monitoring Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Ivan Basic during the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America. The 24-year old is one player that Hoops could move for as a potential replacement for Arne Engels should the Belgian leave Celtic Park this summer.
Napoli are said to be interested in the former FC Augsburg man who scored seven goals in 46 appearances across all competitions for Celtic last season. A price tag of £25 million has been mentioned, more than double the £11 million the Glasgow club paid for him in 2024.
The 22-year old has been ever present in the Hoops team since his arrival two years ago and has since earned four caps for Belgium. However, he did not make the Red Devils squad for the World Cup finals this summer.
As for Basic, he played 61 minutes for Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup opener against Canada, one of the three host nations of the finals. Jovo Lukic put the European nation ahead in Toronto but substitute Cyle Larin equalised in the 78th minute to earn first ever World Cup finals point for the Maple Leaves and get Jesse Marsch’s side on the board in Group B.
Also playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina in that match was fellow midfielder Banjamin Tahirovic. The Brondby players is another who Celtic have been credited with an interest in this summer.
Who is Ivan Basic? Bosnia and Herzegovina international linked with Celtic summer transfer move
Basic currently plays his club football for Kazakhstani giants FC Astana. Celtic fans will remember them from their 2017 UEFA Champions League qualifying encounter which the Hoops won 8-4 on aggregate.
The 24-year old has been with the seven times Kazakhstan Premier League champions since 2023 having previously played with Orenburg in the Russian Premier League for three seasons prior to that. He began his career in his homeland with Zrinjski Mostar where he helped them to the Bosnian Premier League title in 2022.
Basic earned his first international cap in 2023 and has been a regular in the team ever since. He has earned 18 caps with his most recent coming in their FIFA World Cup opener.