Celtic confirmed the signing of Southampton midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi on a season-long loan on Friday evening.
The Hoops announced the capture via their official Twitter page, with the Norwegian international set to bolster the ranks at Parkhead as Neil Lennon’s men look to secure a ninth league title in a row.
And it’s safe to say that the Bhoys’ fans are more than a little excited by the prospect of him joining up with the club.
On the face of it, Elyounoussi could be an inspired signing for the Hoops. The 25-year-old is at the peak of his career in terms of age, and has plenty of experience playing at the very highest level, with 24 international caps and 19 Premier League appearances to his name.
Things might not have gone exactly to plan in England, but there were enough flashes to suggest that he can still be a very decent player if and when he gets up to speed.
Last year, for example, he managed 2.3 shots per 90 minutes for the Saints, as well as 1.7 key passes, and 1.3 successful dribbles, as per Whoscored.
If he can get anywhere near that kind of form in Scotland, he could be a real hit for the Hoops.
Here are some of the best reactions from Celtic fans:
https://twitter.com/TheTimAlloys/status/1167529035997556737?s=20
Great signing celtic ???
— Tony Clark (@tony1888c) August 30, 2019
Announce option to buy please ? This guy will be class.
— Allan Williams (@trmo67) August 30, 2019
The general consensus from the stands seems to be that Elyounoussi will be a valuable addition to this Celtic side as they push for a ninth straight league title.
And it’s fair to say that the Hoops will need to be at their best this year.
For the first time in a long time, Rangers genuinely look like a proper threat, capable of pushing their bitter rivals all the way.
The likes of Joe Aribo and Sheyi Ojo look as if they can bring a real creative streak to Ibrox, and between them, they have already hit eight goals in all competitions.
Now more than ever, therefore, it is important that Lennon is fighting fire with fire in the transfer market, and the likes of Elyounoussi should act as a suitable statement of intent to keep fans happy.
https://twitter.com/GlasgowsGreen/status/1167527523997163522?s=20
https://twitter.com/LAC67_/status/1167526734197137409?s=20
As for where Elyounoussi will fit into this Celtic side, the Norwegian is predominantly a left winger, having played 114 matches there during the course of his career, scoring 44 goals in the process, as per Transfermarkt.
He is, however, a versatile option, and has also played 27 times on the right wing, and 28 times in an attacking midfield berth.
You would expect him to slot in just about anywhere then, but he will be hoping to make that left flank his own.
Anybody who thinks this is a bad signing has problems man ??? that's a quality signing
— Kevin Duffy (@kevinduffy25) August 30, 2019
— 9 Teen 90 Nine (@StorminNormin44) August 30, 2019