Celtic target Astana midfielder Ivan Basic

Jun 18, 2026

Celtic have identified Astana midfielder Ivan Basic as a summer target, with Martin O'Neill looking to reshape his midfield options ahead of the new season (1). Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Reo Hatate are all part of the current setup, but O'Neill sees room for reinforcement in the middle of the park (1). The 23-year-old Croatian has been profiled as a priority option this window, with Celtic's scouting team tracking him closely (1). No formal bid has been lodged yet, but the interest is concrete and Basic's profile fits the direction O'Neill wants to take. Meanwhile, Alistair Johnston continues to turn heads at the World Cup with Canada.

Sources

1. footballinsider247.com — Who is Ivan Basic? Celtic target profiled as midfielder emerges on summer shortlist

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