Hasenhuttl claims Celtic loan star Mohamed Elyounoussi likely to have "a chance" at Southampton

By Euan Davidson

March 13, 2021

Any ideas Celtic have about signing Mohamed Elyounoussi could be in danger.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has said that everyone in the squad has “a chance to come back” [Southern Daily Echo]. Along with Elyounoussi, the Saints have Angus Gunn, Wesley Hoedt and Mario Lemina at Stoke, Lazio and Fulham respectively.

The Saints boss is keen on having more options in his squad for 21-22. Elyounoussi, who has only made 19 appearances for Southampton, still could feature long term. At £16m from Basel [BBC], the Norwegian was a considerable investment for the south coast club.

Selling the winger for just £5m after two impressive seasons at Celtic, then, would represent a massive loss. Moi, as he’s known, has scored 20 and set up 12 in 59 games for the Bhoys [Transfermarkt].

Hasenhuttl said [Southern Daily Echo]:

“You can be sure that every player who is on loan we try to follow.

“We try to have the latest information about [Elyounoussi’s] performances, his physical condition at the moment.

“We have to do this and, therefore, yeah, we will have a look at a few and everybody who does well has a chance to come back in the summer. This is how it should be.”

Mo Elyounoussi in action against Lille / (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

Would Mohamed Elyounoussi feature in Celtic rebuild?

Elyounoussi has stepped up as a dressing room influence this season.

Often, he’s been found giving press conferences [Celtic TV], and is forthcoming with his opinions. At 26, he’s coming into his prime years, and will want some certainty in his career.

He’s still an asset for Southampton, should they want him. There’ll be a queue of suitors lining up should the Saints decide to move him on, and you’d have thought Celtic would be head of that line. Even in his mid-twenties, he would have potential sell-on value if Celtic were to sign him permanently.

More of a bit-part player this season, Elyounoussi’s impact has still been considerable. He’s saved us on more than one occasion this term. His finishing, movement and passing are of a European standard, but he can blow hot and cold. Even at a cut-price fee of £5m, he’d be a gamble.

But if Hasenhuttl wants yet another look at him, this all could be moot.

Interesting comments indeed. However, it’s hard to garner an enormous amount of enthusiasm from the Southampton boss regarding Elyounoussi.

This one may run for a while yet.

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