Southampton loanee Mo Elyounoussi discusses Celtic future

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Mo Elyounoussi has been quoted by the Daily Record as saying that he has not had much contact from Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl as the Norwegian attacker continues to shine on loan at Scottish champions Celtic.

The 26-year-old is enjoying his second loan spell at Celtic after clocking up just 20 appearances last term – in which he scored seven and conceded six. This season, he has already matched his goal tally in 16 outings for the Bhoys.

The £16million (Record) netted a stunning brace against Lille in the Europa League as the Hoops secured a 2-2 draw with the French outfit. He then followed that up with an excellent goal against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final, during a 2-0 win.

Hasenhuttl has stated that Elyounoussi’s Celtic form could mean he has a future at Southampton, but the Norwegian has stated there has been little contact from the Premier League club. He also stated that he is focusing on playing for Celtic.

“I haven’t had much contact. I’m focusing on myself and what I can do for the club,” Elyounoussi said. “Whatever happens is in the future, but of course I’m watching what they are doing and they’re doing well at the moment. I’m pleased for them.

“My main focus is to play as well for the club here where I am. I’m enjoying my time here, that’s my main focus. Whatever happens in the future, we’ll come to that. As long as I keep playing well that’s the main thing. We can talk about that later on.”

TBR’s view – Can Celtic sign Elyounoussi permanently?

It will be tough. Elyounoussi cost Southampton a huge transfer fee and is earning Premier League wages. While he is shining at Celtic and clearly enjoying his football, the chances of Celtic being able to afford £60k-a-week (Spotrac) Elyounoussi is unlikely.

Indeed, the better he plays while on loan for Celtic, the more his value will go up. It means that the better he plays for Neil Lennon’s side, the smaller the chance Celtic have of affording him. Certainly, it will take a club-record fee to nab him.