Celtic’s Lucky Escape: Ardon Jashari’s Struggles in Belgium
Celtic FC may have dodged a bullet by missing out on midfielder Ardon Jashari, who joined Club Brugge for £5 million in April. The 22-year-old Swiss international has endured a difficult start to his Belgian adventure, prompting criticism from former Genk, Gent, and Anderlecht boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck.
Jashari’s Rise to Prominence
Jashari’s impressive breakout season in 2022, which earned him the captain’s armband at FC Lugano and a spot in Switzerland’s World Cup squad, drew comparisons to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. His performances sparked links with top clubs, including Arsenal, Leeds, and Celtic.
Disappointing Start in Belgium
However, Jashari’s first few weeks in Belgium have been underwhelming. He was left on the bench in his debut match and substituted after 73 minutes in his second appearance, a 1-0 defeat to Standard Liege. Vanhaezebrouck’s scathing assessment labeled Jashari “a huge disappointment,” citing struggles with the pace and intensity of Belgian football.
Vanhaezebrouck’s Critique
The experienced coach believes Jashari’s style, which worked in lower-intensity competitions, is not suited for the Belgian league. He questioned Jashari’s ability to recover quickly and win high balls, given his relatively small stature. Vanhaezebrouck’s comments suggest that Jashari must adapt to the demands of Belgian football to succeed.
Implications for Celtic
Celtic’s alleged interest in Jashari was discussed in 2023, alongside other top clubs. However, if Jashari cannot cope with the intensity of Belgian football, it is unlikely he would have thrived in the Scottish Premiership. The aggressive and physical nature of the Scottish game has challenged more experienced and talented players than Jashari.
Conclusion
Ardon Jashari’s struggles in Belgium may be a blessing in disguise for Celtic FC. The Scottish champions may have avoided a costly mistake by missing out on the Swiss midfielder. Jashari must now focus on improving his understanding of the Belgian game and adapting to its demands to justify his £5 million price tag.