Not Tahirovic | Celtic Plot Move For This Bosnian Midfield Ace: Why They Must Secure His Services | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Ivan Basic ahead of a potential summer move. The Astana midfield ace is currently representing Bosnia and Herzegovina in the ongoing FIFA World Cup and will be closely monitored in their remaining Group stage encounters against Switzerland and Qatar, having impressed in a 1-1 draw with Canada.

The 24-year-old Bosnian progressed through the academy ranks of Posušje and Zrinjski Mostar back in his homeland before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad. There, he secured a regular role in the centre of the pitch and was eventually roped in by the Russian top-flight side Oreburg in the summer of 2022.

Smart Move From The Bhoys?

After three successful seasons in Russia, Basic left for Kazakhstan last summer and signed a contract until December 2026. While the Hoops would aim to strike a deal for a minimal fee, more clubs could join the race if he continues to perform strongly on the world stage. Benjamin Tahirovic, his fellow compatriot and midfield partner, is also on their books. However, growing interest from Porto and Espanyol could spark a bidding war in the coming days.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 12: Ismael Kone #8 of Canada is challenged by Ivan Basic #13 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Martin O’Neill, appointed as an interim chief, has now been rewarded with a contract extension upon conquering the ‘domestic double’. But the Celts are expected to undergo a squad overhaul, with several areas needing reinforcements following a couple of underwhelming windows. Midfield is no exception, even though the likes of Benjamin Nygren and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had their moments en route to winning their fifth league title in a row.

Why Celtic Might Perform A Midfield Overhaul

Nevertheless, Celtic might see a few departures for various reasons. The club have yet to decide whether to trigger the one-year extension of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract, but they are likely to part ways with Paulo Bernardo, who has failed to stake a claim in O’Neill’s plans. Versatile Luke McCowan is viewed as a utility squad option, and the Bhoys could lose Arne Engels, as the Belgian has emerged as a transfer target for Serie A duo Napoli and Lazio.

Although Callum McGregor is still going strong as a deep-lying playmaker, Celtic must find his long-term successor in the middle of the park. Predominantly a box-to-box midfielder, Basic is also comfortable as a ‘number 6’. His technical traits, strong passing and dribbling attributes, as well as shooting expertise, would bolster O’Neill in terms of finding the right balance, flexibility and composure. It remains to be seen whether the Glasgow giants chase the Bosnian pair or prefer a move for Tahirovic over his midfield partner.