The Scottish Sun last night stated that Olivier Ntcham was a wanted man by Southampton, but perhaps Celtic could use this to make their own big-name signing.
Ntcham has been key to Celtic’s success this season so far. With 33 appearances to his name this term, it’s clear he’s an important part of Neil Lennon’s side. He’s also been pivotal in the new 3-5-2 system Lennon has adopted (Transfermarkt).
However, the Sun believe that the Frenchman would jump at the chance to go to England. Whilst that may be a disappointment to some if that’s the case, it could be beneficial to us in getting Mohamed Elyounoussi to Parkhead.
The Norwegian initially signed for Southampton for a reported £16million (The Telegraph). Therefore, the first concern that arises is affordability. Saints likely wouldn’t want to make a massive loss on him, and with Celtic’s transfer record being £9m (Sky Sports), even that is £7m less than they paid for Elyounoussi.
Yet, Ntcham could perhaps be used as a sweetener for Mo. For Ntcham, for all of the talent he has, can still be replaced.
Nature of any deal depends on how both clubs view their men
It’s difficult to predict how these negotiations would go. It really all depends on how important Celtic view Ntcham and how vital Southampton feel Elyounoussi is to their cause in the long-term.
We know Ntcham has ambitions to leave Parkhead one day. That’s undoubted. He said as much to L’Equipe last summer. So we know that the midfielder would likely be open to the chance of moving to England if it came about.
Nobody really knows how Elyounoussi would feel about the prospect of moving here permanently. The same goes for how Southampton view that idea. But if they want Ntcham, it’s a great chance for us to drive the price right down for a player Saints clearly didn’t fancy this season anyway.
Celtic, of course, may feel come the summer time that they just want cold hard cash for Ntcham. They may not see Elyounoussi as a signing they want to try. However, considering his stock was at an all-time high a year ago, he would be a blockbuster signing for the Hoops if we pulled it off.
It also depends on how much both clubs actually want for either man too. Should Saints want to recoup all of their money for Elyounoussi, we likely wouldn’t get a player-plus-cash offer from Saints for him. We would likely have to give Ntcham to them for nothing, but if Ismaila Soro turns out to be a success, that would lessen the blow of that. There’s also nothing to stop us splashing out on another midfielder in the summer.
The fact is that if Southampton want our man, we have some much-needed leverage if we have any plans to go for Elyounoussi. It may not be the worst idea this summer.
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