Celtic could land two of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s standout World Cup performers, with playmaker Ivan Basic now reported as a target for manager Martin O’Neill.
The Glasgow club has been tracking Brondby midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic for some time, but attention has now extended to his international midfield partner as well.
The Scottish Sun reports that 24-year-old Basic, who plays his club football for Astana in Kazakhstan, is being closely monitored by Celtic during the tournament.
Both Basic and Tahirovic started Bosnia and Herzegovina’s opening World Cup match against host nation Canada, operating as a midfield double pivot under coach Sergej Barbarez.
Basic, who was born in Croatia, is considered likely to be the cheaper option of the two and plays a more reserved, disciplined midfield role than his partner.
Despite their different styles, the duo complement each other effectively at international level and could together provide a significant boost to O’Neill’s squad.
Celtic’s need for midfield reinforcements is pressing, with their current options described as slim heading into the new season.
Callum McGregor, Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo, Reo Hatate, and Arne Engels are currently the only contracted players in that position at the club.
Hatate is widely expected to depart, while Engels continues to attract interest from elsewhere, leaving the Hoops with an urgent need to strengthen the engine room.
The transfer window officially opens imminently, and Celtic’s business is expected to begin moving quickly in the days ahead following a quiet start to the summer.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s next fixture comes against Switzerland on Thursday, June 18, a match Celtic’s scouting team will almost certainly be monitoring with great interest.
A potential double signing from the same international partnership would represent an ambitious and coordinated piece of transfer business for O’Neill as he looks to reshape his squad.
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