Mohamed Elyounoussi has revealed that he will be returning to Southampton after his loan spell with Celtic comes to an end, whenever the 2019/20 season is concluded, according to a report in The Scottish Sun.
The Norwegian had looked to be hitting a rich vein of form only to be sidelined by injury at the end of November, ironically after collecting the player of the month award.
Since then, the £16million Saints star has failed to either score or create an assist as Neil Lennon has preferred other options in his attack.
When asked about his current situation, the forward said:
“I still have three years left of the contract with Southampton. I want to show a better side of myself than what I have done.
“I hope I can go back and fight for a place next season. But at the same time, I really want to finish the season at Celtic and win the league.
“I’ve had injuries but it’s been a very nice time in Celtic, especially after how things were going in Southampton.
It’s a very strange situation. The plan was a holiday in late May, before I meet for pre-season with Southampton. But now I don’t quite know what will happen.”
Elyounoussi has been a victim of circumstance, when he returned to full fitness, Lennon had changed his formation from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2, which meant there was no space for a winger not known for his defensive qualities.
He also had the sizeable talents of Olivier Ntcham, Ryan Christie and Tom Rogic blocking him in the number ten role behind the front two and with Celtic only dropping points once in 2020, there was little cause for him to be knocking on Lennon’s door demanding to start.
His loan spell was very much a “what if” transfer, one which – at one point – saw fans demanding that the board splash out what would’ve been a record fee to secure his services permanently to one where his absence will hardly be noticed.
He is undoubtedly a talented player but and will leave with Hoops fans best wishes, whether or not he has the ability and physicality to make it in the Premier League is up for debate though.