A closer look at Andrej Bačanin after Celtic named-checked | OneFootball

Celtic’s name this week entered the mix for FK Čukarički’s rising midfield talent Andrej Bačanin, with the Serbian club’s sporting director publicly naming the Hoops alongside a clutch of European sides chasing the 18-year-old’s signature.

And while this is a link which should be taken with a large pinch of salt for the moment, it should also be noted, there are indicators that this deal may be developing quicker than it first appeared.

It all started a few nights ago with an interview published on Čukarički’s official website, where sporting director Vladimir Matijašević confirmed the growing interest in Bačanin and also didn’t shy away from naming names.

“We’ve had calls from Celtic, (the)Rangers, Ajax, Udinese, and others,” Matijašević revealed. “It’s possible more options will emerge, but I expect the transfer to be finalized soon.”

That comment alone will turn heads among the Celtic support — especially with the player himself having recently followed the club’s official social media account, a modern-day clue that’s hard to ignore.

Bačanin is a Serbia youth international, and according to the stats, and the limited video available on him is technically tidy, defensively minded, but capable of contributing in the attacking third. In his own words, he models himself after Rodri — a self-described “destructor” who sees value in being a pivot as well as a play-starter.

In terms of data, Bačanin averages 2.92 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes, slightly edging Motherwell’s Lennon Miller who averages 2.41 passes into the box per 90.

Bačanin’s sample size is smaller — but it suggests attacking intent from deep, something that could suit Brendan Rodgers’ midfield rotations nicely and may hint at succession planning for Callum McGregor.

That kind of profile fits the recruitment model and profile of player being targeted this summer under Paul Tisdale, who’s now it seems very much steering football operations at Lennoxtown.

Celtic, it seems, have been shifting back to the youthful, value-driven market — looking for players who can grow into the jersey — and Bačanin arguably fits that mould. Or, another ‘club signing’ as some may point to, if you are growing frustrated by the lack of first team starters being signed in this transfer window.

But it’s not a one-horse race apparently. And that’s where it’s perhaps wise, for now at least, to rein in the excitement a wee bit – theRangers are also reportedly in for him, which can be a bit of a red flag in media reports regarding transfer targets. Meanwhile and Ajax and Udinese offer compelling development platforms of their own, so we’d certainly be keeping good scouting company if there is anything in this one.

There’s also the backdrop of Red Star Belgrade, who reportedly made a low-ball offer back in the spring that doesn’t seem to have been followed up on – yet.

Some in the Serbian media believe Matijašević’s public mention of foreign interest — Celtic included — may be a nudge to Red Star to come back with a higher bid. Time will tell on that one.

That said, this doesn’t feel like pure agent noise. Bačanin has shown signs of movement with the Red Star interest and following Celtic on social media – and with Matijašević openly saying a transfer is expected in 10 days to two weeks, something is definitely brewing in terms of a move for the player, but whether that’s to Celtic is a whole other thing.

Paul Tisdale the manager of Bristol Rovers looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Second Round match between Bristol Rovers and Darlington FC at the Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2020 (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

For Celtic, the question is timing. Bačanin looks like a project — but a promising one. If Rodgers sees something in him, and Tisdale’s team are convinced, then now may be the time to move before this becomes a bidding war.

For now we think this one is a watching brief. It looks like there is something in it, in terms of the player moving on from his club, but whether that extends to Celtic is another matter — Perhaps keeping an eye on the Instagram follows is the way to play it for now.

Niall J

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