Report links Celtic with permanent Elyounoussi move; why it's worth doing

By Euan Davidson

February 9, 2021

Celtic might be after Mohammed Elyounoussi permanently.

Admittedly, this news comes from secretive sources [Football Insider], but it’s something worth considering. Elyounoussi has enjoyed two very fruitful spells at Celtic Park, with 20 goals and 12 assists over 53 games for the Bhoys [Transfermarkt].

At 26, the Southampton loanee represents excellent value at a reported £5m. That’s quite a step down from the £16m that the Premier League spent to bring him in from FC Basel. However, it’s very apparent that Ralph Hasenhüttl doesn’t see a future for him in the south coast.

Elyounoussi divides support at times. He even divides the 67 Hail Hail staff. The Norwegian can go missing in games, or pop up with a hat-trick. Injuries have put paid to the winger having a sustained run of form this season.

In my view, he’s a clearly talented player with excellent end-product. However, his usefulness depends on the coach and the system. At the moment, we don’t know either, looking at 21-22.

At the end of January, Elyounoussi commented on his future [Daily Record]:

“Honestly, I haven’t really thought about the future.

“I’m just thinking about the here and now, what is ahead of me. There’s been ups and downs here for me at Celtic but overall it’s been a really good experience.

“I wanted to come here to become a better player and I think I have. The players I play with and the coaching staff make me better, so it’s been positive.

“Obviously, I wanted to have better results this season but we’ll keep fighting.”

Mohamed Elyounoussi celebrates scoring for Celtic / (Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)

Celtic winger Elyounoussi is good value at £5m

How verifiable the mooted £5m fee is, is up for debate. It’s such a markedly reduced price that it’s a little suspiciously low.

That said, it represents good value for Celtic. He’s a proven goalscorer and match-winner. His passing and finishing are excellent, and he boasts international experience. More than this; if he builds on his numbers at Celtic and maintains fitness, he could be worth double in a season or two.

With his pace and dribbling, he’s capable of tormenting any defence on his day. The issue for Celtic is whether that day comes often enough to splash out millions of pounds. Ultimately, Southampton may choose to loan the Norwegian winger out for a third successive spell.

We’ll need clarification sooner, rather than later, though. And it won’t stop any Celtic supporters from worrying about the scope of the club’s scouting network.

Would you keep Elyounoussi for £5m? Have your say on the 67 Hail Hail forum.