Celtic-linked Jean-Pierre Nsame suffered a devastating blow last night as he tore his Achilles just ahead of a crucial summer window.
Nsame has been speculated as being on Celtic’s summer target list, according to website TEAMtalk. The Cameroonian international has had a stunning season with Young Boys in Switzerland too. This season alone, he’s racked up 26 goals in 42 appearances, netting against the likes of Roma, Cluj, and CSKA Sofia in the Europa League [Transfermarkt].
However, he’s been struck with a real blow. Swiss outlet Bote has stated that he’ll be out for “months”, with a potential worst-case scenario seeing him out of action for six months. This apparently came after taking a shot against Luzern on Saturday.
Nsame finished last season with 32 goals and overall during his time with Young Boys has netted 98 goals in 173 appearances [Transfermarkt]. Speaking in comments published by Bote, he said the following:
“In football you have to be mentally strong. I look to the future positively and want to return stronger than ever. I’m already looking forward to playing again.”
Jean-Pierre Nsame looked a great option; Celtic may want to think twice
You couldn’t ignore what Nsame was doing with Young Boys. His form was electric and he’s going to finish as the club’s top goalscorer once again. He also had a fine pedigree in Europe and looked well-suited to replacing Edouard.
However, Celtic simply don’t have the time to sign a player who could take six months to get himself back fit and firing again. Even after his injury period, it would still take him time to get fully up to speed.
The truth is, whoever we bring in to replace Eddy has to be ready to go now. It’s not as if Nsame would’ve been coming cheap either. He’s still contracted to Young Boys until the summer of 2023. They’re under absolutely no pressure to sell, and they could see this as their chance to keep him for next season.
If Celtic were to take a punt on him, the risk factor is now huge. At 27, he’s coming into his peak years, but goodness knows how his Achilles injury will affect him in the long-term. Celtic should be looking for some greater certainty than that when they replace Edouard.
It’s a massive blow for the striker. The likes of West Ham, Newcastle, and Southampton were also reported to have been linked back in late April [TEAMtalk]. It looks as though, for now, he’ll have to put any plans to leave on hold.
Next season is far too huge to be signing crocked players, regardless of their record.
In other news, Celtic need to make their pathway from the Youth Academy to the first-team a lot clearer.
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