Former Celtic attacker Kris Commons thinks a January exit for Scott Sinclair should pave the way for the club to make a blockbuster move for Mohamed Elyounoussi, writing in his Scottish Daily Mail column (04/11 print edition, The Verdict supplement page 16).
The Norwegian international has been a revelation for the Bhoys since arriving on loan from Southampton during the summer transfer window.
It was his exceptional contribution against Hibernian on Saturday that stood out on our way to the Scottish League Cup final.
His double in that match is part of a seven goal total from ten matches, with the winger also contributing five assists.
It’s the kind of form that has left others on the outside looking in at Celtic, with Sinclair the most notable member of Brendan Rodgers’ previous squad not currently getting matches.
Commons doesn’t think having the Englishman on the bench earning a big wage is productive and feels that any January exit for the 30-year-old should be used to catapult the club towards a move for the on-loan Southampton man.
As quoted by The Scottish Daily Mail (04/11 print edition, The Verdict supplement page 16), he said: “Scott Sinclair is now firmly the forgotten man at Parkhead. Elyounoussi’s form — along with others — means one of Celtic’s top earners on 30-odd grand a week is sitting twiddling his thumbs.
“Sinclair hasn’t started a game this season, with his six appearances all coming off the bench — that’s a shame for such a talented player.
“If a mutual parting of the ways comes in January, Celtic should reinvest those wages in a package which secures the permanent capture of Elyounoussi.”
Is Commons’ point logical?
The Sky Sports man is right in both parts of his argument.
Sinclair clearly doesn’t have a future at the club despite being one of our most productive signings in recent years. His contract expires at the end of the season. Even if he doesn’t lave in January, he won’t be staying at Celtic Park for very long.
As Commons notes, he is not a part of Lennon’s current plans.
A move for Elyounoussi also makes perfect sense considering his start at the club. There are hurdles to overcome on the financial side of things with that one and any money freed up by Sinclair’s wage should go towards convincing all parties a permanent switch is possible.
It may not all work out as neatly as the pundit suggests, but Celtic should definitely be pursuing the possibility of keeping the 25-year-old.
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