Youssef El Kachati delivered the perfect parting gift to Telstar, finding the net in a 3-1 away win over Willem II that secured the club’s promotion to the Eredivisie. The result sealed a 5-3 aggregate win in the playoff final, capping off a remarkable run from the seventh-placed finishers in the Dutch second tier.

It marks the end of a 47-year exile from the top flight for Telstar, who last played in the Eredivisie in 1978. El Kachati, who has scored 25 goals in 45 games this season, was at the heart of the club’s historic rise and has now confirmed his departure.

The 25-year-old’s contract has run out, and he confirmed post-match that he will not be signing a new deal. Dutch side NEC Nijmegen are strongly linked, but Celtic are among the clubs reported to have scouted the striker during his prolific campaign.

With Brendan Rodgers assessing his forward options ahead of the new season, El Kachati could emerge as a potential target.

He said: (RecordSport), “I knew this would be my last match in the Telstar shirt, so I gave it my all and didn’t want to get knocked out this time

“I’m completely exhausted. Even if they have to take me off the field on a stretcher, I just wanted to go to the Eredivisie with these guys so badly.

“NEC would really like to have me, that’s true. That’s one of the clubs I can go to, but there are more clubs in the running.

“I’m going to enjoy the celebration and then I’ll slowly make a decision together with my agent. This is really deserved, we fought so hard for each other.”

El Kachati’s physical presence and instinctive finishing make him an appealing option, particularly on a free transfer. His consistency in front of goal has turned heads across Europe, and Celtic’s interest suggests they’re keeping tabs on rising talent in less conventional markets.

The forward’s final act in a Telstar shirt was a fitting summary of his influence. He’s not only spearheaded their promotion push but has shown the kind of drive and mentality Rodgers often looks for in a signing.

While NEC appear to be leading the chase, El Kachati himself admitted more clubs are in the mix. Celtic would need to act decisively if they wish to bring him to Glasgow.

With the summer window looming and attacking reinforcements on the agenda, El Kachati’s name is one to keep an eye on as the Hoops recruitment team finalise their shortlist.