Moussa Dembele purchase rumored to be false

Christmas was hopefully enjoyable for most of us. That is, however, until some transfer news regarding a potential sell for Celtic.

That sale was rumored to send Moussa Dembele out to Brighton and Hove Albion for a price around 18 million pounds. Seagulls manager Chris Hughton was reported to start out with an asking price of under 20 million for the French striker.

It almost seemed as if it was a matter of minutes before the press jumped all over and the signing would be complete. But, reports have recently emerged claiming that the Christmas heartbreak was false and no deal was even close to being done.

Brendan Rodgers seemed pretty disappointed that Dembele has been linked with so many clubs, even to the point where the purchase is claimed to be true. Celtic Quick News notes that Rodgers received no indication of talks between the Bhoys and the EPL club.

"“I am not sure where it’s come from. Moussa’s been linked with so many clubs since I’ve been here,” Brendan said earlier today.“There’s been no contact between the clubs and Moussa is very much still a Celtic player. There is no fee, no bid, there have been no talks.More from The Celtic BhoysCeltic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord gameCeltic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare RangersBrendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic playerBBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero KyogoKyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters"

It’s pretty clear that the Hoops’ manager has no desire to sell the prized attacker. 21 goals in 25 games doesn’t lie, even if the French international has been a bit silent as of late in league play.

However, that doesn’t mean that Rodgers would be totally against selling Dembele. If the 21-year-old wants out, then it’d only be right to let him go. Rodgers goes onto say this according to Team Talk.

"“We don’t want to lose any players and we won’t lose any players. However, if there is something that comes in, it goes back to that issue, morally."

There’s no doubt that interest is going to come in with the upcoming window for Dembele. A plethora of clubs ranging from Everton all the way to Barcelona have been reported with interest. It wouldn’t be a complete shock to see Dembele transfer out.

Yet, with Celtic’s tough schedule coming up after the break, it almost seems silly to sell one of the most talented European strikers. Talent such as Dembele doesn’t appear very often especially given his age. The Celts have to do whatever they can to make sure Moussa stays around at least until the summer.

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Is it really “morally wrong” for Rodgers to not let Dembele go in January? Should Celtic do what’s best for the club and keep the Frenchman around? Let us know in the comments section.