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Filip Benkovic has admitted his future next season is uncertain, refusing to rule out a return to Celtic, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
What’s he said?
While there’s definitely been hits and misses when it comes to loans at Celtic it can’t be denied that it has allowed the club access to a quality of player that otherwise wouldn’t be at the club.
The £13m Benkovic definitely falls into that category, delighting supporters this season with solid defensive displays in the Hoops’ backline.
Due to return to parent club Leicester City this summer for assessment by Brendan Rodgers, the player has admitted this week he doesn’t know what his future holds.
He has loved his time at Celtic, which has culminated in being called up to the Croatian national team for the first time, something he reckons the club have played a instrumental role in.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said:
“I honestly believe there are other players who are more deserving of a call-up than me, but I have been waiting for my chance for a while.
“I’ve had a really successful year at Celtic and I have to thank them for the positive things they have done for me this year which has led to the call-up.
“I can’t talk about what club I will be at next year because nothing is known yet and might not be for some time, probably only after all my international duties this summer.
“But all I can say is that I have really enjoyed my time at Celtic, I have had some great moments here, I have a successful season, enjoyed my football and I will never regret it.”
Clearly the door has been left open for a potential Glasgow return, but will the stars align for a deal to happen?
Do Celtic have a chance of signing him again?
Leicester boss Rodgers told The Daily Record earlier this month that if Benkovic goes out on loan again this summer then he’d want it to be to Celtic, so the chance of being part of the club’s nine-in-a-row push is strong.
Rodgers has four defenders already at the club and it’ll all be about what kind of impact the Croatian can make in pre-season.
On the Hoops side of things, the club seem keen on making a move for him, with the player himself revealing to The Scottish Sun he’s been told there is interest.
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How much do Celtic need him?
Having just lost first-pick defender Dedryck Boyata to Hertha Berlin, Celtic are in serious need of quality defensive additions in the upcoming transfer window and re-signing Benkovic would quickly make Hoops supporters forget all about the Belgian.
Benkovic, Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer is a solid centre-back three that could do with another to provide back-up.
If Benkovic does not return, it’ll likely require serious investment from the club to replace his presence.