Celtic Could Beat Rangers As Old Firm Rivals Clash Heads For Serbian Sensation: One For The Future? | OneFootball

Rumoured Celtic target Andrej Bacanin has sent an encouraging ‘message’ to the Celtic fans following the Cukaricki sporting director Vladimir Matijašević’s deadline for the transfer of their prized asset, the Daily Record has revealed.

Matijašević discussed the possibility of interest from a few other outfits, but expects a summer switch to take place within the next 10 days.

Why Celtic Are Eyeing A Move For The Teenager

Despite inquiries from both Celtic and Rangers, Bacanin has only followed the Hoops on Instagram. This has sparked speculation, as the youngster shares similar traits with Lennon Miller, the Motherwell starlet, who they have missed out amid reports of a potential move abroad.

The 18-year-old Serbian youth international progressed through Cukaricki’s academy ranks before breaking into their first-team squad last season. He went on to make 19 senior appearances across competitions and was heavily involved in their relegation round fixtures. The teenage sensation was immense in the middle of the park, as the Highlanders clinched a mid-table finish in the Serbian SuperLiga.

FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 16: Head Coach Brendan Rodgers of Celtic FC speaks with players during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Celtic at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025, in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Bacanin was not involved this weekend when Cukaricki clinched a 1-0 win against FK Napredak Kruševac in their opening gameweek of the 2025-26 league campaign. It remains unclear whether it was precautionary; however, the midfield prodigy might have to wait for regular gametime if he plies his trade in Glasgow’s east end.

What He Would Bring to Celtic Park

Celtic snapped up several project signings in recent years. Although a few of them were involved in the senior scenes, many left the club on loan for minutes and were eventually offloaded for suitable offers. Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Odin Thiago Holm are facing uncertainty over their long-term future at Parkhead, particularly with ample depth and quality in the centre of the pitch.

With skipper Callum McGregor expected to drive the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker, Brendan Rodgers prefers Arne Engels and Reo Hatate as the preferred ‘number 8’ pair. Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan are also there to challenge and cover the first-team trio, yet the young ace could grab a sporadic role this season for his flexibility across midfield.

Bacanin has showcased his expertise with his box-to-box movements, creativity, ball-carrying traits, and the ability to play key passes into the final third. His composure and technicality as a deep-lying playmaker could see him succeed McGregor in the long run. Rodgers must hand him senior minutes to attune to the aggression and physicality of Scottish football.