CELTIC ‘CLOSING IN’ ON FIRST SUMMER SIGNING YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD OF

Celtic are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window, and it is a move that has left many supporters stunned. The Scottish champions have spent recent weeks being linked with several young prospects, but their latest target appears to signal a completely different approach.

With another demanding season of domestic football and European competition on the horizon, manager Martin O’Neill is keen to add proven quality and experience to his squad. The Hoops are understood to be looking for players who can make an immediate impact rather than long-term projects.

That player is Serbian international Filip Kostić, the experienced Juventus winger who has spent the last decade competing at the highest level of European football. While his name may not have been on many Celtic supporters’ radar, the 33-year-old brings an impressive résumé and a wealth of experience.

Kostić began his senior career with Serbian side Radnički Kragujevac, making 62 appearances and scoring five goals between 2010 and 2012. His performances quickly caught the attention of clubs across Europe and earned him a move to Dutch side Groningen.

The winger flourished in the Netherlands, scoring 11 goals in 45 appearances and establishing himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting attacking talents. His blistering pace, crossing ability and relentless work rate made him a player in demand.

A move to Germany followed in 2014 when VfB Stuttgart secured his signature. Despite difficult seasons for the club, Kostić continued to impress, scoring eight goals in 59 appearances and showing his ability to perform in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.

His next destination was Hamburger SV, where he became one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous wide players. During his two seasons with Hamburg, he made 61 appearances and scored nine goals while consistently delivering impressive performances.

However, it was at Eintracht Frankfurt where Kostić truly established himself as one of Europe’s elite attacking wing-backs. Across four memorable seasons, he made 129 appearances and scored 18 goals while also registering a remarkable number of assists.

The Serbian international played a vital role in Frankfurt’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph in 2022, producing several match-winning displays throughout the competition. His quality from wide areas and tireless energy made him one of the standout players in German football.

Those performances convinced Juventus to bring him to Turin in the summer of 2022. Since joining the Italian giants, Kostić has made 84 appearances and scored six goals, adding further experience and silverware to his already impressive career.

Now, with his future at Juventus reportedly uncertain, Celtic are hoping to pull off one of the most surprising deals of the summer. Martin O’Neill is believed to admire the player’s versatility, leadership and experience, qualities that could prove invaluable as the Hoops prepare for another campaign on multiple fronts.

The potential signing is likely to divide opinion among the Celtic support. Some fans may question the wisdom of signing a player in his thirties, particularly given the club’s recent strategy of investing heavily in younger talents with significant resale value.

Others, however, will see the move as an ambitious statement of intent. Kostić has played in the Bundesliga, Serie A and the Eredivisie, while also representing Serbia on the international stage and competing regularly in European competitions.

His ability to play as a left winger or wing-back would also give O’Neill additional tactical flexibility. The Serbian’s crossing ability remains one of his greatest strengths, and his experience could provide valuable leadership inside the dressing room.

Should the deal be completed, Celtic would be signing a player with a proven record at the highest level of the game. A name that many supporters had probably never heard linked with the club could soon be walking out at Paradise in the famous green and white hoops.