Karamoko Dembele's confusing Celtic situation

By John McGinley

June 29, 2022

It’s fair to say the signs aren’t looking good when it comes to an extended Karamoko Dembele stay at Celtic.

On the face of it, his contract looks to have either expired at the Bhoys, or is quietly expiring at the end of this month.

Neither the club nor the player has commented on his future, leaving everything in a strange limbo that should really be cleared up one way or another so supporters know the situation.

Notably, he hasn’t been seen at Lennoxtown pre-season work this week despite the club publishing a number of photos and videos from the training centre.

That’s as good an indication as any that he has no future at the Bhoys, but confirmation would be nice.

Many clubs post comprehensive release and retained lists these days and it’s something I’d love to see from Celtic in the off-season, so invested fans can see exactly what the squad situation is.

As far as I can tell there would be no real downside to doing this. It would prevent everyone from having to put puzzle pieces together.

Dembele was once a much-hyped talent at the club and although it’s become apparent he might not make it at first-team level, with injuries playing their part, it’s still a shame for it to all get to this point of confusion and silence.

Ange Postecoglou did indicate towards the end of last season that talks would be held with the player.

The Celtic boss told a press conference in March: “With all those things it is kind of a two-way thing and that will depend on Karamoko himself and where he sees his future.

“We will sit down at the appropriate time with him and sort of try and map out what’s best for him and what he thinks is best for him and we’ll come to a decision.”

If I had to guess, I’d say those talks haven’t ended in a fruitful manner when it comes to continuing a once blossoming relationship.

The closest thing to have update we’ve had came from French media two weeks ago, who reported that Dembele was wanted by Brest.

Perhaps come the end of June we’ll hear more, which is when the majority of Celtic contracts expire despite listings on Transfermarkt and the like.

In other news, English option ruled out for Celtic talent getting renewed chance in Lennoxtown training.