Moi Elyounoussi looks highly unlikely to be returning to Celtic for a third season on loan.
The Southampton winger was the only one of four loan players to make a positive impact on Celtic’s horrendous season, scoring an impressive 17 goals including six in Europe, finding the net against AC Milan and Lille.
During the season there were some bizarre reports of Southampton dropping the price tag on their £15m signing from Basel in 2018 but it seems that he’ll be given the chance to make the grade in the EPL.
Reviewing the club situation of their national team players, Norwegian publication VG reports:
After a failed first season at Southampton and two seasons on loan at Celtic, all indications are that Elyounoussi will return to the Premier League club next season. According to VG’s information, the southern English club wants to give the Norwegian a chance. This is due to several factors: Elyounoussi has delivered encouraging performances in Scotland, Southampton need reinforcements on the edges and their 4-4-2 formation suits “Moi” far better than when they played 3-5-2. He is still popular in Germany, where several clubs have him on the block, but Southampton are not interested in loaning him out. If there is a good enough offer to buy him, it may be more relevant.
Celtic were able to secure Elyounoussi on loan last June allowing the Norwegian to play a full part in the pre-season preparations.
As things stand Mikey Johnston, Karamoko Dembele and Marian Shved will be the wingers reporting for pre-season training at Celtic with James Forrest due back once Scotland’s interest in the European Championships comes to an end.
