Rumours have surfaced recently over Mohamed Elyounoussi’s sensational return to Celtic given his availability on Bosman, but the Norwegian winger has played it coy ahead of clashing heads with Scotland in the UEFA EURO qualifiers.
“Right now I am just focusing on the two games we have for Norway. After I will take a break and look at options. There are some already. It will depend on the whole package in terms of where and the contract situation, so it’s going to be interesting to see where I land.”
The 28-year-old told BBC (as quoted by the Daily Record) as his Southampton contract is set to expire at the end of the month. The Saints have suffered relegation and the attacker, therefore, is gearing up for a fresh challenge before next season.
Elyounoussi progressed through the academy ranks of Sarpsborg 08 before breaking into their senior squad. He then enjoyed back-to-back successful stints with Molde and Basel which prompted the Saints to splash £16m and strike a deal.
However, his struggles in Hampshire resulted in a loan move north of the border. Neil Lennon, the then-Hoops boss, roped him in and he stayed there for a couple of campaigns before returning to England. The loan spell helped him regain his confidence thus reclaiming a place in the Southampton lineup under Ralph Hasenhüttl. He has been one of the very few bright sparks irrespective of the club’s downfall and his resurgence could see him donning the Celtic colours one more time.
Meanwhile, the Bhoys are undergoing a managerial crisis following Ange Postecoglou’s move to Tottenham Hotspur. But they are in advanced talks with Brendan Rodgers who is tipped to be re-appointed as the next Parkhead chief. The Northern Irishman helped them conquer back-to-back ‘trebles’ during his last tenure, but the challenge will be sterner on this occasion amid Rangers‘ rise under Michael Beale over the past few months.
Why Celtic Must Get The Deal Done
Rodgers, coincidentally, was keen on having Elyounoussi two years ago while in charge of Leicester City. The transfer did not materialize back then, but he might finally manage the wide attacking ace if the Celts win the race for his services.
Celtic are well-equipped down the flanks with Daizen Maeda, Filipe Jota, Sead Haksabanovic, Liel Abada and James Forrest challenging and complementing each other in all competitions. Having said that, Elyounoussi would offer a new dimension for his flexibility across the frontline. His ability to slot in as a ‘number 10’ would allow formation tweaks during the game and it remains to be seen whether the Glasgow giants table a worthwhile offer in the coming days.
