Why a new deal for Mohamed Elyounoussi is a wise move by Celtic
According to Daily Mail, Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi signed a new one-year loan deal with Celtic on Tuesday night.
The new deal will see the 25-year-old Elyounoussi play for the Scottish champions until the end of the 2020-21 season. The Norwegian had earlier moved to Celtic on loan last summer, impressing with 7 goals and 6 assists before his season was curtailed by a foot injury.
Despite playing just 20 games for Celtic across all competitions, Elyounoussi became an instant hit in Scotland, proving that he is a worthy talent. His eye-catching displays at Celtic Park was also a drastic improvement from the player’s perspective. He had failed to live up to the expectations at Southampton since his move from FC Basel back in 2018.
Elyounoussi, who had fallen behind the likes of wingers Nathan Redmond and Sofiane Boufal following his goalless display at St. Mary’s in his maiden season, witnessed a resurgence in form after moving to Celtic.
In Elyounoussi, Celtic will have a proven winger
Meanwhile, Neil Lennon’s Hoops continued their dominance in the Scottish top-flight division by winning their ninth successive title. Though he didn’t feature in their entire campaign last season due to injury, Elyounoussi was also a key contributor to the side’s superb displays in the recently concluded season.
Having proved his potential in his first season with them, it does not come as a big surprise that Celtic were once again keen to extend Elyouonussi’s loan stay for another year.
Also, apart from right midfielder James Forrest, Celtic lack an established winger in their ranks. They also have academy graduate Mikey Johnston and Maryan Shved, who can play across the flanks. However, both of them are still young and have a lot more to develop.
22-year-old Shved has made just one league appearance while Johnston was promoted to the first-team set-up for the first time just last summer. That said, Celtic’s decision to extend Elyounoussi’s deal for another year is, by all means, a wise move by the club.
With 23 goals and 30 assists from a total of 84 matches in just two seasons for former side Basel, Elyouonussi is a proven threat in front of the goal. He would be a valuable addition for Lennon’s side next season, just like he was this season.
Read more:
- Why Celtic should land Mohamed Elyounoussi permanently
- Why Celtic should hand Ryan Christie a new deal
- Celtic signing 19-year-old Man United talent Aliou Traore could turn out to be a terrific investment
Verdict
It is clear that Celtic lack depth on the flanks and Elyounoussi’s stay will only bolster the squad for the upcoming season. A proven customer, Elyounoussi’s experience will also be an added benefit for Lennon’s side.
