Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that he doesn’t believe on-loan attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi has done enough to warrant a permanent move to Paradise this summer.
Elyounoussi made the switch to Celtic Park from Southampton on a season-long loan deal in August 2019, and following an impressive first campaign in Glasgow, saw that extended by a further year.
Should Celtic sign Mohamed Elyounoussi permanently?
Yes
No
The on-loan Saints attacker has struck 14 times in all competitions for the Hoops, including six in European competition, but ex-Celtic frontman McAvennie hasn’t been overly impressed with the 26-year-old, accusing him of hiding in matches.
His contract at Southampton expires next summer, and he’s rumoured to be available on a cut-price deal at the end of the season, although McAvennie thinks Celtic should look elsewhere.
Asked whether he thinks Celtic should secure a permanent deal for the Norwegian, he told Football FanCast:
“I don’t think so. For me, he’s not done enough. He has scored goals, but he’s a strange one because he’s such a talent. But at Celtic you need to do it week in, week out. The fans want to see you giving everything. The same as every other club, they like players trying, but as long as you’re putting an effort in, any fan will accept that.
“But when he’s not playing well he tends to stay out of the game and stay on the sidelines. I would like to see him coming in, but he’s been here long enough and hasn’t shown it for me.
“Not for the wages he’d be on anyway!”
According to Spotrac, Elyounoussi is earning £60,000-a-week at Southampton, which would surely be out of Celtic’s reach.