Celtic are the on the verge of being declared as the Scottish Champions, thanks to SPFL’s ‘controversial‘ resolution that passed following Dundee’s voting U-turn. However, they were the runaway leaders before the game got suspended in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite Rangers not being able to challenge Celtic for the title after the winter break, there are issues in this Celtic side. A few key exits are on the cards amid persistent transfer rumours. The famous Glasgow giants are also assessing the possibility of tying down the names who have been impressive at Parkhead on a season-long loan.
While a permanent move for Fraser Forster should be prioritised due to his majestic form between the sticks; Mohamed Elyounoussi, the other Southampton loanee, has recently opened up on his future. The Norwegian had a few injury spells since joining the Hoops last summer, but his impact has been immense whenever deployed from the left-hand flank.
“I still have three years left of the contract with Southampton. I want to show a better side of myself than what I have done. I hope I can go back and fight for a place next season. But at the same time, I really want to finish the season at Celtic and win the league.”
Should Celtic Splash The Cash To Tie Him Down On Permanent Terms?
Although he had a difficult time at St Mary’s last season, his performance at the Paradise might help him regain a place in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s plans. A £16m summer switch from Basel a couple of years back suggests how highly rated Elyounoussi is in the European circuit and Neil Lennon, therefore, must try every possible course of action to retain his services at this prestigious football club.
Celtic have already parted ways with Lewis Morgan and Scott Sinclair earlier this year. Marian Shved, too, is expected to be offloaded soon after failing to impress the manager enough. Michael Johnston, though impressive down the wide areas, had an injury-ravaged campaign forcing Lennon to tweak his formation to deal with the constraints.
Having said that, the Norway international should cost a substantial amount, and Celtic might have to fork out a fee closer to what they paid for Odsonne Edouard. But the acquisition of Elyounoussi would inject depth as well as quality with James Forrest operating from the other wing.
