Celtic transfer that was 'one step away' could now collapse

Tom Weber

• 10 Jan 2026 11:20 CST
• 3 min read

News

Hajduk Split are threatening to pull the plug on Niko Sigur's proposed move to Celtic, according to a report.

The Canada international has emerged as a January transfer target for the Parkhead club after a few impressive seasons in Croatia. Sigur is a versatile defensive player who can feature as a holding midfielder and full-back.

Earlier this week, it was claimed that his arrival at Celtic was now just "one step away" following a little delay in the wake of Wilfried Nancy's sacking after a disastrous 33 days in charge.

Celtic looked poised to beat various high-profile clubs from around Europe's top-five leagues to the 22-year-old's signature, with Fabrizio Romano previously revealing that Wolves were also keen on a mid-season deal.

However, it is now being suggested that Celtic's deal for Sigur was not as close as initially reported. Journalist Izak Ante Sucic, who previously claimed that this move was all but done, now reports that the transfer is in doubt.

Has Sigur to Celtic collapsed?

Sucic reports that Sigur's move to Celtic is now "unlikely to happen" because his club Hajduk Split have loaned Australia international Fran Karacic to league rivals Osijek with an option to make the deal permanent.

Like Sigur, Karacic can play as a right-back and as a more central player, and Hajduk therefore appear to now be reluctant to sanction the 22-year-old's departure.

However, Sucic claims that a transfer is not yet entirely out of the question. Hajduk could still be tempted into a sale if a "good offer" is made for the Canadian, although what exactly constitutes a "good offer" is unclear.

Sigur currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €4 million and is under contract until 2028. In addition to Sigur, Celtic are also trying to sign Jocelin Ta Bi. The Ivorian winger has confirmed that the move is expected to happen, but the deal has sparked controversy.

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