The idea of Moussa Dembele to Manchester United has taken a blow after comments from the striker himself.
Any potential deal will apparently see Celtic get a slice of the transfer fee and potentially lead to a windfall for the Hoops (Evening Times). A price-tag hasn’t been set by Lyon, but the Frenchman has been linked to the Red Devils this summer (Sky Sports).
Dembele has only spent one season in France since moving in a £19.7million move from Celtic last summer (BBC). During his time in Ligue 1, the former Hoops hitman has struck 20 goals in 46 appearances.
And after firing home a brace to down Arsenal yesterday at the Emirates Stadium, Dembele opened up on his future. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the Frenchman confirmed he’s all but staying in France for now.
“I want to be an undisputed starter this season. I’m going to have perform well consistently. I want to have a great season with Lyon.”
Moussa Dembele to Manchester United means nothing until a fee has been agreed
Any talk of a windfall for Moussa has to be put to one side for now. After all, until a fee has been agreed then there’s nothing to even discuss. As of yet, there doesn’t even appear to have been an offer lodged, just simply reported interest.
Celtic won’t have budgeted for the extra cash in any case. It won’t affect what we do in the transfer market, and it’s hardly likely to see us go on any form of spending spree.
Neil Lennon will know who he wants in by now before the transfer window closes. Where Dembele goes this summer won’t even be on our manager’s radar, even if it might be on Peter Lawwell’s.
Dembele’s commitment to staying in France shows where his intentions lie in any case. So long as we spend wisely on Lennon’s main targets, it doesn’t really matter if Dembele goes this summer or not.
Eventually, the Frenchman will go for mega-money. But it certainly doesn’t look to be this season.
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