Celtic have been backed to complete an “amazing” and highly strategic summer deal for FC Astana’s rising midfield star Ivan Basic, with experts and insiders confidently predicting that the Scottish Premiership champions will get the transfer over the line.
The 24-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international has emerged as one of the most sought-after hidden gems in Eastern European football. His standout performances on the international stage have put Celtic’s scouting network on high alert as they look to add elite quality to their midfield options ahead of a demanding domestic and European campaign.
The Parkhead recruitment team has reportedly been keeping close tabs on Basic for several months, tracking his progress through extensive data analysis and live scouting missions. Those close to the deal indicate that the technical staff view the midfielder as a perfect tactical fit for their high-intensity style of play.
With the summer transfer window now in full swing, Celtic are ready to step up their pursuit. The club aims to leverage its European status to secure his signature ahead of a growing list of continental suitors who are beginning to circle the player.
Basic currently plies his trade in the Kazakh Premier League with FC Astana, having previously caught the eye during a highly productive spell in Russia with FC Orenburg. Despite playing in a league that often flies under the radar of casual football fans, Basic has consistently demonstrated a level of technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and physical robustness.
His core strengths suggest he is ready for the step up to a major European league. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match from a deep-lying midfield role, combined with the vision to break defensive lines with progressive passing, has made him a top priority for Celtic.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, transfer experts and former football executives discussed Celtic’s summer transfer strategy, highlighting Basic as exactly the type of high-upside market opportunity that the club prides itself on identifying.
The consensus among insiders is that Celtic are currently leading the race. The club possesses the financial clout and institutional pull to wrap up the deal quickly, provided they meet Astana’s realistic valuation of the player.
The financial parameters of the potential transfer make it an incredibly attractive proposition for the Celtic board. Reports suggest that Astana would be willing to sanction a sale for a fee in the region of €2.5million to €3.5million, which translates to roughly £2.1million to £3million.
For a full international player entering his prime years, this valuation represents incredible value in a highly inflated modern transfer market. This allows Celtic to secure a top-tier talent without breaking their established wage and transfer structures.
Crucially for Celtic, FC Astana manager Grigory Babayan has already publicly acknowledged the growing interest in his star midfielder and has admitted that the club will not stand in the player’s way if a suitable offer from a major European club is tabled.
Babayan conceded that Basic has outgrown the current level of competition in Kazakhstan and deserves the opportunity to test himself in a more demanding footballing environment. This public admission has given Celtic significant leverage in ongoing discussions, signaling that the selling club is ready to cooperate to ensure a smooth transition.
However, Celtic are not alone in their admiration of the Bosnian playmaker. The recruitment team is fully aware that they must act swiftly to avoid a protracted transfer battle, as Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt and Spanish outfit Elche have also registered their interest in recent weeks.
Frankfurt, in particular, are known for their excellent scouting network in Eastern Europe and view Basic as a low-risk, high-reward squad option. Despite this competing interest, Celtic remain confident that the guarantee of regular first-team football will be enough to convince Basic.
Furthermore, the chance to compete in the UEFA Champions League is expected to be a major factor. The board believes this will tip the scales to convince Basic to choose Glasgow over potential moves to Germany or Spain.
Tactically, Basic offers the kind of versatility that modern managers crave. He is comfortable operating as a traditional number six, sitting just in front of the back four to break up opposition attacks and initiate transitional play from deep positions.
Alternatively, his impressive athletic profile and expansive passing range allow him to push further forward into a box-to-box number eight role. In this position, he can actively support the attacking line and contribute directly to the team’s goal output.
This adaptability would provide Celtic with crucial tactical flexibility during grueling stretches of the season when squad rotation becomes essential. The drive to secure Basic is also motivated by Celtic’s desire to future-proof their midfield unit.
With several current squad members attracting interest from lucrative markets abroad and others entering the final years of their contracts, the board recognizes the importance of recruiting elite talent early in the window.
Bringing in a player of Basic’s profile ensures that the squad maintains its competitive edge. It also prevents a scenario where the club is forced into panic buying late in the transfer window at an inflated cost.
Supporters are eager to see fresh faces arrive at Parkhead as the club looks to consolidate its dominance at the summit of Scottish football. The recruitment of a full international who has already proven his capability on the European stage would be viewed as a major statement of intent.
Insiders believe that personal terms will not be an issue. Basic is understood to be incredibly enthusiastic about the prospect of playing in front of a passionate 60,000-capacity crowd at Celtic Park and working under a coaching staff renowned for developing international talent.
Negotiations between Celtic and Astana are expected to progress to the formal bidding stage in the coming days. Club officials are working diligently behind the scenes to structure an offer that satisfies Astana’s desire for upfront capital.
At the same time, the package is expected to include achievable performance-related add-ons that protect Celtic’s financial interests. If these discussions continue on their current positive trajectory, transfer insiders expect a breakthrough to be reached shortly.
This would allow Basic to fly to Scotland for a medical and formal unveiling. Ultimately, the pursuit of Ivan Basic underlines Celtic’s commitment to a sustainable yet highly ambitious recruitment model.
By identifying elite talent in emerging markets before their valuation skyrockets, the club can continue to rebuild and refresh the playing squad from a position of absolute strength. With the backing of football experts and the willingness of the selling club to do business, Celtic look completely well-placed to finalize this amazing deal and add a high-quality international operator to their ranks for the long-term future.
