“Sell”; Celtic fans not against selling off-form Olivier Ntcham amid reported interest

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As deadline day really starts to get cracking, the Celtic fans have been giving their opinions on the future of off-form midfielder Olivier Ntcham.

The Frenchman has featured in every game for the Hoops this season, starting seven of our 13 matches (Transfermarkt). However, Ntcham’s performances have dipped dramatically over the course of September and early October.

In more recent starts against the likes of Riga, Livingston, and St Johnstone respectively, the midfielder has been far too careless on the ball, and is finding himself being dispossessed or slowing the game up regularly. Stat experts WhoScored ranked him as Celtic’s second worst performer yesterday from the starting XI – with only Mohamed Elyounoussi worse than him.

So much so that it appears sections of the support have seen enough of him since the start of the season:

https://twitter.com/Iconic1967/status/1312741018484256769

https://twitter.com/DehumanisedDad/status/1312739890203852800

https://twitter.com/tmcglad36/status/1312728584696496128

We know Ntcham can produce better

There’s definitely a reluctance amongst many others in the Celtic support when it comes to Ntcham departing. The Daily Mail reported last month that both Southampton and West Brom were looking to tie him up before the transfer window ends tonight.

However, if Celtic could get a fee in the region of £12m-£15m, then it’s difficult to turn that down based on what Ntcham has offered us so far this season. In all seriousness, that kind of money would be ideal ahead of what will undoubtedly be a vital January transfer window in just three months’ time.

You can look at Ntcham and think there’s so much to his game – because there is. However, the fact he has only two assists in 13 games this season shows just how rarely he’s shown that creative side. For some reason, we’re not seeing the best of the former Manchester City man, and that’s a problem.

At his best, Ntcham is one of the club’s top talents. Perhaps there’s even an argument there to say he’s our best midfielder. But we can’t keep him based on what he can do when he’s up for it. He has to be producing a lot more often, and he’s not made the most of his chances this season.

If a suitable offer comes in, don’t be surprised if Celtic cash in. There’s an insistence from the club to keep hold of its best players, but Ntcham at the moment doesn’t fall into that bracket, and hasn’t for some time.

We know he’s capable of so much better, but it’s difficult to put your faith in him to produce it.

In other news, a long-running Celtic saga is now reportedly over.