Celtic have learned how much they must pay to sign Mohamed Elyounoussi from Southampton on a permanent basis and keep him at Parkhead.
With rumors flying around about the fate of dual signings of loanees Fraser Forster and Mohamed Elyounoussi being hot and cold for the last few weeks a new wrinkle has appeared in the saga.
The Southampton loanee has both been filmed training at Lennoxtown, which has sent the fans into fever pitch. Just when it seems that the pair will be wearing green and white for good a fee is thrown into the mix and for Elyounoussi it is a hefty £10 million. That is another record in the making for Celtic, if they agree to sign it that is.
Elyounoussi was a massive asset at th start of last season, with seven goals and six assists to his name. He made twenty appearances for the club until an injury in November left him on the sidelines. Neil Lennon has plans for him and his fellow Southampton loanee Fraser Forster on the road to 10IAR, but it remains to be seen if The Hoops will pay such a staggering fee to outbid a new party.
Real Betis has emerged in the race for the Norwegian talent, per The Glasgow Evening Times, it is unclear if they mean to really pay £10 million to outbid The Bhoys and take a huge risk on one player to remain injury free for an entire season. They will probably go to Southampton for a loan deal though, as The Saints do not have plans for the 23 year old. The Scottish giants can bid for another loan, but the Spanish side could really cause a major headache for the top brass at Celtic.
Odsonne Edouard was their priciest signing of all time (£9 million) and they want to keep him on for the coming season, so it really remains to be seen if they want to shell out serious money for Elyounoussi as well.
What do you think?
Is Celtic prepared to drop £10 million on making Mohamed Elyounoussi a permanent fixture at the club?