Celtic had a lot on their plate in the transfer market as they needed to replace plenty of players. They started slowly but ended with a flurry of signings in the last week. One of the arrivals was Mohamed Elyounoussi who joined on a season-long loan from Southampton.
Forster on Elyounoussi’s quality
The winger had attracted interest from Championship side Leeds United as well, but Celtic were able to beat them to this transfer. Recently, Elyounoussi got his first goal as he scored in the crucial game against Cluj. His teammate from Southampton Fraser Forster recently backed him for further success and said (The Scottish Sun)–
“I was pleased for all the lads on Thursday, but especially for Mo Elyounoussi, who I was with at Southampton and who’d had a tough year of his own after arriving at the club, his goal against Cluj will do him a world of good, and it capped off a brilliant performance. He’s a fantastic technical player, great touch and ability.”
Like Forster, we also believe that Elyounoussi will be a top signing for the Hoops and he will only get better from here. The Norwegian international made just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season and he was allowed to leave on loan this summer.
Many might feel that the Hoops have signed another reject from the Premier League, but Elyounoussi is a proven player at the top level. The left-winger drew attention when he fired 13 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Basel in the 2017-18 season. Even in the Champions League that campaign, the Norwegian grabbed two goals and two assists in 8 appearances.
It would be interesting to see who will start at left wing once Michael Johnston comes back to full fitness. Elyounoussi probably still needs some time to settle in, but as Forster mentioned, the goal against Cluj will do him a world of good. The signs are there that he can be the first choice left winger and we are quite excited to see how he develops at Parkhead this season.
Why should Lennon consider signing him permanently?
Lennon should even look to make this loan deal a permanent one at the end of the season if Elyounoussi gets going. His sharp movement, clever touches and ability to make the right decisions in the final third are his standout assets, and he can trouble quite a few defenders in the Premiership. Scott Sinclair and Lewis Morgan are unlikely to have a long term future at the club so signing a left-winger should definitely be on the agenda of the club.
