As the end of June looms large, former Celtic loanee Moi Elyounoussi finds himself on the precipice of a significant change in his career.
After a five-year spell at Southampton, the Norwegian international has confirmed his departure from the club, set to become a free agent at the end of this month. The 28-year-old Elyounoussi, who made 33 Premier League appearances for the Saints as they suffered relegation this season, has played 90 times for the South Coast team between 2018-2023.
“I’m done. We’ve agreed on that. The contract expires at the end of June, and then I’m a Bosman player (out of contract),” Elyounoussi told TV2, adding: “We looked at the whole situation. It’s been a troubled season. Many replacements. I’m glad we waited and looked at the situation first. Then maybe it was just as well to stand again as a Bosman player in the end.”
Now, with the imminent return of former manager Brendan Rodgers to Celtic, is there a possibility of a reunion with the Norwegian forward. Rodgers, who initially brought Elyounoussi to Celtic on loan, is reportedly close to securing a second stint at Parkhead, with talks believed to be in an advanced stage.
Rodgers, who first took the reins at Celtic in the summer of 2016, left in February 2019 amid rumours of dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the club’s operations. However, it seems the Northern Irishman is set for a return to the club where he won all seven domestic trophies available to him and laid the groundwork for an impressive quadruple-treble that was completed by his successor Neil Lennon.
The 50-year-old manager is reportedly being offered a salary that surpasses what he earned during his previous stint at Celtic. As the Scottish champions attempt to build on the impressive work carried out by outgoing manager Ange Postecoglou, Rodgers has reportedly sought assurances during recent discussions that he will be backed in terms of recruitment to ensure the team is adequately equipped for their upcoming tilt at the Champions League group stages.
In light of this, the question arises: could Elyounoussi be part of Rodgers’ plans to strengthen the squad?
Elyounoussi’s past performances for Celtic, coupled with Rodgers’ apparent affinity for the player, make this a distinct possibility. The Norwegian was brought in on loan initially by Rodgers and kept on for the ill-fated pandemic season under Neil Lennon. His familiarity with the club and Rodgers’ style of play could be beneficial in reinforcing Celtic’s domestic dominance and improving their Champions League performance.
Rodgers’ impending return to Celtic is not without controversy, with a section of the Celtic fanbase still irked at the manner and timing of his departure. Winning them over will be one of Rodgers’ key challenges, and bringing back a popular and proven player like Elyounoussi could go some way in mollifying the skeptics.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Rodgers and the Celtic board. If they see value in reuniting with Elyounoussi, they could very well capitalise on his impending free agent status. For his part, Elyounoussi ha shown his class both in the Premier League and during his previous spell at Celtic.
As the summer transfer window opens, Celtic fans will be watching closely to see how Rodgers shapes his squad. With the Champions League looming in just over three months, there’s little time for the manager to assemble his ideal team.
Elyounoussi’s future remains uncertain, but the prospect of a return to Celtic under Rodgers cannot be ruled out. However, there’s been no talk of it yet, the news of his official departure from Southampton is still very fresh.
