French club boss says Celtic man in tremendous shape away from Parkhead

By David Walton

January 25, 2021

2018 Celtic signing Vakoun Bayo has been described as being in his best shape of the season.

Bayo has managed to turn his spell out on loan with Toulouse around over the last two weeks. The big Ivorian managed to break his frustrating 11-game scoring duck last weekend against Grenoble.

The Brendan Rodgers signing then managed to net again in the French Cup against Niort on Wednesday night. All of a sudden, things are looking much better for him with the Ligue 2 outfit.

And now his manager in France, Patrice Garande, has acknowledged his fitness too as he claimed he was in the best shape he’s been in all season.

As quoted by Les Violets, Garande made the following remark: “Bayo has shown to be efficient and he is currently in a physical form he has never experienced since arriving. This is an additional option.”

Like a new Celtic signing? Keep the positive press coming Bayo!

It’s great to hear his loan manager acknowledge his upturn in fortunes. What this comment shows is that the big striker hasn’t only been back amongst the goals – he’s been working hard for them too.

Bayo was always a massive presence when he played for Celtic. However, too often was he carelessly nudged off the ball. Whether this was down to a lack of balance or sheer muscle – who knows?

But it’s promising to see him in the best shape he’s been in all season. That’s the kind of comment that should have him in high spirits ahead of tonight’s clash against Sochaux. Another goal and another three points should be on his agenda as he continues this renaissance.

Vakoun Bayo in action for Celtic / (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group via Getty Images)

I will admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for him. I do genuinely believe he has something in his locker, and I’m delighted to see it starting to show with Toulouse. He’s managing to make an impact just when it looked like all was lost with his France switch.

What he has to focus on is continuing to bring this positive press coming. That’s the kind of stuff that will catch the eye of Celtic supporters and Neil Lennon.

But always in the background is this reported option to buy that Toulouse are said to have [Scottish Sun]. A positive second half of the campaign for Bayo and surely that will be activated.

In other news, we discuss the duty Celtic have to Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles ahead of the next few months.