Celtic’s signing of Southampton attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi on loan during the summer transfer window was a bit unexpected.
There had been no inkling that the Hoops were interested in the player. However, the Norwegian, who Southampton signed for £16 million from Molde, has quickly become one of Celtic’s most important players this season.
He has seven goals in 1o games, and he looks as if he will play a massive part for the Hoops for the rest of the season.
Unlikely to be at the club next season
The one downside to Elyounoussi’s great form is that it is highly unlikely to lead to a permanent move for the player. Southampton will be eager to have another look at the player.
That means that he will probably only spend one season with the Hoops. However, Celtic fans shouldn’t be too down-hearted about that.
It can be argued that there is already a ready-made replacement at the club. That player is Mikey Johnston. Johnston at the moment could find his path to the Celtic first-team blocked by Elyounoussi.
He has replaced Johnston in the side since the player suffered an injury after starring in the win over Rangers. However, Johnston is now fit, and was on the bench against Hibs.
Starlet can learn a lot from the loanee
Johnston can learn a lot from Elyounoussi whilst the duo are both at Celtic Park. The players are similar, except the Norwegian has more of an eye for goal.
But Johnston could develop that in his game after spending time working with Elyounoussi. In the long run, Johnston is going to be the player with more of a future at Celtic Park. Elyounoussi’s time at the club is going to be short, which hopefully won’t be the case with Johnston.
Elyounoussi might well get the nod to start for Celtic for most of the rest of this season. However, come next season, Johnston should be ready to take over.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
