Toulouse provide clarification on Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo's situation

By Euan Davidson

June 30, 2021

Toulouse want Celtic striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo back at their club, but it’s up to the Ivorian whether he wants to rejoin.

That’s according to Toulouse Director and former Spurs man Damien Comolli. The French club, who narrowly missed out on promotion to Ligue 1 last season, could be priced out of a deal, unless Bayo is particularly keen to return to the club on reduced terms. Or, another loan stint may prove to be the way forward for all parties.

Bayo has failed to make a mark at Celtic, but he’s been comparatively unlucky. Two efforts against Hearts were ruled as own goals [BBC], while he was particularly unfortunate to be sent off in the Europa League [BT Sport/Twitter]. He’s fared better in Ligue 2, averaging a goal every 3 games for Les Violets [Transfermarkt].

Comolli said of Bayo’s situation [Les Violets]:

“The ball is in his court. I await a response from him. When he left after the end of the season, he told me he wanted to stay. I had a lot of discussions with his agent. We talked about it with Philippe [Montanier, Toulouse manager], he’s a player he would like to have and me too. We had a purchase option, which we did not exercise, because it was too [expensive] for the [Ligue 2].

“It was something we could only consider in L1.

“We are ready to take [Bayo] back, but in what form, I don’t know yet.”

Vakoun Bayo returning to Toulouse on loan probably the best call for now

It’s honestly hard to know if there’s a player there.

In flashes, Bayo has been excellent for Toulouse. His physicality, finishing and attacking impetus nearly took Les Violets to a promotion, but he was in and out of the team for much of the season. Playing alongside the more prolific Rhys Healey, Bayo struggled for consistency at times.

Celtic striker Vakoun Bayo scores on loan at Toulouse / (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)

So, it’s hard to make a definitive judgement just yet. If Celtic could make a profit on the £2m spent on the Ivorian [BBC], it’s difficult to imagine it being turned down. However, that offer doesn’t seem forthcoming.

Ideally, Ange Postecoglou would have Bayo around for a pre-season to make his own evaluation of the striker. At 24, he could still blossom into a consistently effective and productive forward. Failing that, though, another season on loan at a comparatively decent level makes sense for the Ivorian.

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