Celtic Leading The Race For This Exciting Midfield Ace – Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Bosnian outlet SportSport (as cited by The Glasgow Times) is believed to be true, Celtic are leading the race for Benjamin Tahirovic over a potential summer move. Porto and Rangers are also in the mix for the Brondby midfielder, but the Danish side might delay his exit, with Bosnia and Herzegovina heading to the World Cup.

Born in Sweden, the 23-year-old Zlatni Ljiljani international progressed through the academy ranks of AIK and FC Djursholm before joining Vasalunds IF back in his homeland. He earned a senior status for the latter in the third tier of Swedish football, and was eventually roped in by the Serie A giants AS Roma in February 2021.

However, his gametime was limited in Rome, and the Italian hotshots sanctioned a €7.5m move to Ajax in the summer of 2023. Despite featuring week in and week out throughout the 2023-24 season, the Dutch giants let him join Brondby for €2.75m after he fell down the pecking order under Francesco Farioli. Tahirovic did not fit into the tactical vision of the then-Ajax chief, but he revived his form in Denmark, appearing regularly in the middle of the park.

ALMELO, NETHERLANDS – JANUARY 27: Benjamin Tahirovic of Ajax in action during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and AFC Ajax at Erve Asito on January 27, 2024 in Almelo, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Although his minutes were reduced this season following a rift with former gaffer Steven Cooper, Brondby expect to maximise the profit from Tahirovic’s exit, as a strong World Cup run could skyrocket his valuation. He is under contract until the summer of 2028, which allows the Danish giants to play hardball in transfer negotiations.

Why Celtic Need Reinforcements In The Centre Of The Pitch

Celtic conquered the domestic double under Martin O’Neill, overcoming the dismal days of Wilfried Nancy. The veteran Northern Irishman, re-appointed as interim boss, demonstrated his tactical mastery from the touchline, and the management must now find a worthy successor to carry the baton forward. They are also chasing several transfer targets to get the business done at the earliest, particularly after the mistakes made over the past couple of windows when the Hoops acted late and settled for mediocrity.

Celtic, on paper, are well-equipped in the centre of the pitch, with skipper Callum McGregor driving the show from the deep. Arne Engels has been majestic as a ‘number 8’. Also, the likes of Reo Hatate, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo have challenged each other for a starting status.

Nevertheless, the Celts could witness a mass exodus, with Engels drawing interest from south of the border. They have yet to decide whether to retain Oxlade-Chamberlain for the upcoming campaign. But Hatate and Bernardo, the outcast midfield pair, are expected to part ways for fresh opportunities elsewhere. McCowan is viewed as a squad option who has been deployed in various roles, and Tahirovic, hailed for his technical and physical attributes, passing range and composure on the ball, would boost the Bhoys for years to come.