Ex-Celtic hitman Moussa Dembélé "isn't thinking of" move to PL side

By Euan Davidson

January 8, 2021

Former Celtic striker Moussa Dembélé has had no contact from West Ham United, and isn’t looking to move there.

This is according to reliable Sky Sports man Anthony Joseph, who updated the story on his Twitter page last night. Joseph’s information contradicted much of the rhetoric around the former Celtic striker.

It always seemed a little unlikely that a club of West Ham’s size would be after a striker like Dembélé. Having reached the latter stages of last season’s Champions League (Guardian), it would have been a surprise to see the former Celtic striker ending up at the London Stadium.

Still, money talks in football. The Hammers did, after all, lure France star Dimitri Payet to the club in 2015 (BBC). Equally, Dembélé previously considered a move to Brighton and Hove Albion before Lyon came calling (Guardian).

In any event, Celtic fans and the board will be watching the Moussa Dembélé situation with interest. The Bhoys are entitled to 10% of any fee Lyon receive for the striker.

Dembélé has had a difficult season so far. In 16 Ligue 1 games, he’s only netted once (Transfermarkt).

Former Celtic hero Moussa Dembele / (Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Realistic landing spots for former Celtic striker Moussa Dembélé

For his part, Dembélé hasn’t actually said he wants to leave Lyon.

Yes, he’s having a poor season by his standards. That’s more down to Rudi Garcia preferring to play Memphis Depay in Dembélé’s role in Ligue 1 this season. Depay has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for Lyon, so he’s certainly earned his central berth (Transfermarkt).

Still, it’s worth considering that Moussa’s form since moving to Lyon has been outstanding. He’s hit the back of the net 45 times in 108 matches, which is a great return. Valued at £27m (Transfermarkt), he would probably set any prospective buyer back at least between £35-40m at the current market rate.

That means clubs like Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, who have all been linked with Moussa Dembélé, are more realistic prospects.

Not bad for a guy Celtic picked up for £500,000 in 2016 (Daily Record).