Report: Real Sociedad want Celtic loanee Mo Elyounoussi, Martin Odegaard key to deal

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Spanish outlet TodoFichajes have claimed that Real Sociedad want to beat Scottish champions Celtic to the signing of Southampton wide man Mo Elyounoussi this summer – and Martin Odegaard is key to a deal.

Elyounoussi joined Southampton for a whopping £16million (Telegraph) in the summer of 2018 but managed just 19 appearances for the Saints in his first season – failing to score or lay on an assist.

He joined Celtic on a season-long loan last summer, and the Norway international hit the ground running. He has had a hand in 13 goals during 20 league and cup appearances – scoring seven and creating six.

His future, though, remains up in the air. Elyounoussi is likely to remain surplus to requirements at Southampton, and Neil Lennon has stated he will do everything he can to keep the winger. But La Liga side Sociedad have become interested.

Indeed, Real Madrid loanee Odegaard – who could remain on loan for another season after impressing in his first campaign – is Elyounoussi’s Norwegian teammate and he has given glowing reports to Sociedad’s board over a move for the winger.

TBR’s view – Elyounoussi would be a decent Celtic addition

But the chances are that the Norwegian ace will prove too expensive. He is one of those players that need confidence to get the best out of him – both confidence from a personal level, and confidence in him from the coaching staff.

Elyounoussi has shown he is too good for the Scottish Premiership, but has also shown he is somewhat susceptible to injury. Given that the Saints will not want to lose too much of their initial outlay, they may be forced to surrender to Sociedad.