Neil Lennon announces Youssouf Mulumbu’s Celtic departure

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Neil Lennon has confirmed that Youssouf Mulumbu’s Celtic career is over after the midfielder was released from the club.

There were certainly no extravagant announcements from the club on the decision either. Mulumbu only managed three appearances for the Hoops, and only one of them came in the Scottish Premiership.

The Congolese midfielder spent the second half of last season on-loan at Kilmarnock before coming back to Parkhead. He hasn’t been involved in pre-season training either. Instead, he’s been away with his country for the Africa Cup of Nations, but he most certainly won’t be back.

Lennon was speaking to the Mail on Sunday when he announced his departure. And, when touching on it, he sounded abrupt as he confirmed Mulumbu doesn’t have a future at Parkhead.

“Mulumbu is a free. He is away, so there is not a future here for him”

Mulumbu’s Celtic career just wasn’t to be

Mulumbu is a difficult one. The majority of supporters will likely feel he just wasn’t good enough. Whilst they have a real point there too, there was certainly a decent player in there.

He joined the club last summer at a time when the Hoops seemed desperate for new blood. After a solid debut at Kilmarnock, which was marred by actually losing the game, Mulumbu never got another opportunity. If it wasn’t the performances of Callum McGregor and Scott Brown keeping him out the picture, it was injury issues.

Looking at the squad this season, there just doesn’t seem a place for Mulumbu. The fact he isn’t even here doing a pre-season didn’t help his chances either.

The news comes immediately after the signing of Bolton Wanderers youngster Luca Connell. Connell also plays in Mulumbu’s position, and it’s clear he was always going to be a bigger part of Lennon’s plans than Mulumbu was.

One thing that’s key to remember is that Mulumbu always gave his all for Celtic in the few times he played. He was a determined, aggressive midfielder who struggled to keep himself fit during the first half of last season.

Considering he only signed a two-year contract last summer, it’s clear he’s come to an agreement with the club. Hopefully, the big man lands on his feet, as he never failed at Parkhead for a lack of trying.