Celje president Valerij Kolotilo has set out his stance on Franko Kovacevic as Celtic continue to be linked with a move for the striker during the January window.
Celtic’s need for a centre forward has been well established over recent weeks. Injuries, form issues, and the lack of a settled number nine have kept recruitment firmly in focus. Kovacevic has emerged as one of several names discussed across Europe, but the language coming from Celje is notably strong.
Kolotilo’s words underline how highly the Slovenian club rate their player. They also show that Celje do not feel pressure to sell quickly, even with growing attention. Instead, they appear willing to wait for a deal that changes their financial standing as a club.
For Celtic, this places the situation into sharp relief. Interest alone is not enough when a selling club is openly framing a player as a potential record transfer. That creates a clear gap between admiration and action.
He said: (STA), “Kovacevic is currently the best European ‘striker’.
“Many people are talking about him, but I haven’t received an offer for him yet.
“I will be satisfied with the record compensation for Celje and Slovenia.
“So, more than Olimpija received for Raul Florucz and Ezekiel Henty.”
The reference point for that demand is clear within Slovenia. Olimpija Ljubljana received around €5 million for Ezekiel Henty, which remains the highest transfer fee involving a Slovenian club, while Raul Florucz also moved for €5 million.
By stating he wants more than both deals, Kolotilo is effectively setting Kovacevic’s asking price above the €5 million mark. That would make any move a record-breaking transfer for Celje and the Slovenian league as a whole.
Those comments signal that any negotiation would begin from a high starting point. By referencing previous record deals in Slovenia, Kolotilo has drawn a clear line in the sand. He is not speaking about potential, but about precedent and value.
For Celtic, that matters because it frames the discussion before formal talks even begin. A fee beyond previous Slovenian records would push the deal into a different category. It would no longer be a speculative move but a major investment.
The wider context also matters. Celtic have been careful in recent windows, often preferring value, development, or structured deals. A straight record-breaking fee would be a clear shift from that approach.
It also reflects how Celtic are now viewed across Europe. Clubs see interest from Glasgow as serious but also as something to be leveraged. That comes with both opportunity and pressure.
At this stage, no offer has been made. That detail is important, as it suggests Celtic are still assessing rather than committing. The quotes may serve as a warning as much as an invitation.
Whether Celtic move forward will depend on more than talent alone. Budget, squad balance, and timing all play a role. Kovacevic’s price now stands as a significant obstacle rather than a starting point.
For Celtic, the message is equally clear. Any pursuit of Kovacevic would require conviction and resources. Otherwise, attention may shift to options that better align with the club’s model.
As the window progresses, clarity will come quickly. Either Celtic step into record territory, or this link fades into the background. The next move will define how real this interest truly is.
