Celtic fans will love what Jesse Marsch has said about Niko Sigur after 'update'
Celtic should be encouraged in their pursuit of Hajduk Split star because of what Jesse Marsch said about him earlier this summer.
The Hoops' transfer plans are ramping up as the conclusion of the summer window looms in early September.
Martin O'Neill has been targeting new right-backs and midfielders this summer amid uncertainty around the futures of Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels.
Hajduk and Canada star Sigur can feature at right-back and in defensive midfield, and the Daily Record have claimed that he is on Celtic's radar as it stands.
They were previously linked to his services earlier in the summer window, and are now expected to open talks with the Croatian club in the coming days.
Jesse Marsch has told Celtic what to expect from 'outstanding' Niko Sigur
Sigur was born and raised in Canada, but has parents of Croatian descent and made the move there in 2022 to join Hajduk Split after playing one season for York University in Toronto.
He made his senior debut for the club in April 2023 and quickly became a regular, racking up 117 appearances over the last three years.
The 22-year-old was named in co-host Canada's World Cup squad earlier this summer, and he made three appearances as they reached the last 16.
Sigur started in central midfield in their defeat to Morocco on 4 July, and he shone despite the loss.
Canada manager Marsch lavished praise on him after the game, pointing out everything that he felt Sigur did well compared to his teammates.
He said: "I felt Sigur was exceptional, perhaps our best player on the pitch. The distance he covered, the decisions he made on the ball, the number of times he won possession in midfield, his vision in reading and creating plays, the ground he covered, the duels he won—he was outstanding in every aspect."
Marsch also praised the versatile star after his international debut in November 2024, saying: "Niko Sigur, we know, has a big future. He’s savvy, clever…the way he catches the ball and delivers it is like a cultured Croatian. And I kind of made a comment, like, ‘that’s a Croatian pass!’ And he goes, ‘no, coach. It’s Canadian,’ And I was like, ‘right, it’s Canadian.'”
Stats show that Sigur could be a key player for Celtic
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Celtic will not reinvest all of the money they are set to earn from selling Arne Engels as West Ham line up a bid close to £30m.
Sigur will not cost them nearly that much, although his stats from last season show that he could be a shrewd replacement in midfield, as well as being able to play at right-back.
He had a 90.4 per cent pass accuracy rate in the Croatian top flight last term, while he was in the 83rd percentile for duels won per 90 (5.82) and 86th percentile for fouls won per 90 (1.74) when compared to other fullbacks.
Sigur also made 2.79 tackles (93rd percentile), 1.33 interceptions (78th percentile) and 5.46 recoveries (90th percentile) per 90 minutes.