Who is Ivan Basic? Celtic target profiled as midfielder emerges on summer shortlist

Celtic have identified Ivan Basic as the latest midfielder who could make the move to Glasgow this summer.

The Hoops have yet to announce a summer signing, but multiple incomings and outgoings are expected to happen in the transfer window.

Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren are two stars who may need to be replaced amid mounting transfer interest in the pair.

Alongside the duo, a decision is still yet to be made public on the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whilst Reo Hatate has expressed his desire to leave the club.

A new midfielder is a priority for Celtic this summer, who have appointed Martin O’Neill on a permanent basis to undertake their rebuild.

Football Insider reveals all that Celtic fans need to know about Basic as a deal could happen this summer.

What has Ivan Basic's career looked like so far?

Born in Croatia, 24-year-old Basic is representing Bosnia at this summer’s World Cup in North America.

Starting out at Zrinjski Mostar, Basic spent two years at the club and won the Bosnian Premier League in the 2020-21 season, the only major honour of his career.

Basic moved to Orenburg in Russia before making the switch to Astana in Kazakhstan in 2025, where he plays his club football today.

His contract at Astana is due to expire in December, meaning Celtic should be able to complete a quick and cheap deal.

Whilst Basic is at the World Cup, Astana’s season, which runs from March to November, is still continuing as normal.

Sources revealed to Football Insider Celtic’s interest in Basic and confirmed that Astana are happy to let him leave this summer.

How did Ivan Basic fare in World Cup opener?

Basic started and played 62 minutes in Bosnia’s opening World Cup match against Canada, coming up against Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston.

O’Neill would have been keeping a close eye on the clash to see how Basic, and Johnston, both fared.

Basic put in a solid performance in the middle of the park, making four key passes, three recoveries, two interceptions and one clearance.

Successfully completing all of his dribbles and producing five accurate crosses, Basic certainly did not look out of place in the 1-1 draw.

A left-footed, box-to-box midfielder, Basic could be a smart addition to Celtic this summer.