Celtic were meandering for most parts of the transfer window, but they soon picked up pace in the final week to complete a flurry of signings. One of them is Mohamed Elyounoussi who joined from Southampton on loan. The winger even attracted interest (VG) from Championship heavyweights Leeds United, but the winger decided to join Celtic. The fact that the Hoops compete in European competitions might have tilted the scales in their favour.
Forster gives his verdict on Elyounoussi
Elyounoussi’s teammate from Southampton Fraser Forster has also joined in, and he believes that the Norwegian winger will be a top player. The goalkeeper said (The Scottish Sun), ”It’s a fantastic signing. Mo has been unfortunate in the last year, but he has done well at his previous clubs.”
We also share similar sentiments, and we think that Lennon managed to pull off a significant coup by completing the signing of the 25-year-old. Elyounoussi joined Southampton from FC Basel last summer. The Norwegian international made 16 appearances in the Premier League last season. However, this time around, it seems like Hasenhüttl felt that the winger was surplus to requirements and thus allowed him to leave on loan.
Why is he likely going to be a quality addition?
Elyounoussi is predominantly a left-winger, and he caught the eye with his performances for Basel in the 2017-18 campaign where he managed 13 goals and 17 assists in all competitions. Moreover, the winger proved his pedigree in the Champions League as well as he scored twice and assisted another two in 8 appearances in Europe’s elite competition that season.
Michael Johnston, Ryan Christie and Lewis Morgan seem to be the options for Lennon for the left-wing spot. However, we think that once the Southampton man settles in, he will start regularly. Johnston has started the season well so far, but Elyounoussi has the potential to change games.
The left winger’s stand out an asset is his pace and dribbling skills, but what really sets him apart is his ability to make the right decision in the final third. Often wingers are guilty of not producing enough goal scoring chances, but the Southampton player is a genuine goal threat in and around the penalty box.
He is also known to be a hard worker off the ball, so he will track back and press from the top for Lennon when required. The winger is capable of producing some outrageous skills once in a while, and he can be the one to watch out for once he gets used to the new environment and team.
