Olivier Ntcham had a poor season at Celtic as he struggled with form and injuries for the most of the last campaign. The Frenchman was supposed to be that dynamic, game-changing midfielder in this Celtic team. However, even when he was fit last season, his performances looked disjointed, and he seemed lackadaisical in his approach.
The former Manchester City player has been attracting plenty of interest from various clubs in the summer so far. Recently the 23-year-old didn’t mince words and said that leaving Celtic is a possibility (The Scotsman) this summer. He also praised Marseille, one of the clubs who are interested in signing him.
Ntcham gives an update about his future
Ntcham was quoted as saying, ”A departure from Celtic? It’s possible, yes. For now, this is not the subject as I’m 100 percent focused on the internationals. My first goal is the Euros before thinking of anything else. I take things as they come. It is interesting. Marseille is a very big club.”
The midfielder still has his contract at the club until 2022, but it seems to us that he has made his mind up about leaving Parkhead in the summer. Reports say that Celtic will look to demand a fee in the region of €15m-€17m. Along with Marseille; Lyon and Portuguese heavyweights Porto are also said to be interested.
A big disappointment for Lennon?
Ntcham’s words made it clear to us at least that he is going to follow Moussa Dembele’s suit this summer. It will be really sad for Celtic to lose a talent like Ntcham as he is still just 23 and the club would have thought while signing him that he could be a long term option.
In terms of natural talent and ability, Ntcham can be classified as the best midfielder at Celtic right now. However, his commitment and desire was lacking last season. One would have thought that maybe because of injuries he wasn’t able to get back to his best, but now it seems like his mind was set at moving away from the club.
Celtic should want to have midfielders who can score ten odd goals a season. Only Ryan Christie managed to hit that mark from midfield last season. Ntcham has the potential to be that man who can link up play and arrive late in the box to score some crucial goals. However, now, Lennon needs to think about life without him. Hopefully, they would be able to secure the signing of David Turnbull who would soften the blow of Ntcham departing.
