Some Celtic fans are now making their demands known for Lille-linked Olivier Ntcham and are naming the price that the French side has to pay for the midfielder.
The former Manchester City man Ntcham was in action for the Hoops in their recent 2-1 win over St. Mirren. He also scored for them in their recent win against Hearts away from home.
A report from GetFrenchFootballNews (via journalist Ignazio Genuardi) states that Lille see Ntcham as a potential replacement for Boubakary Soumare, who is being linked with moves to Manchester United and Tottenham. The report also states that Lille had a scout watching Ntcham in Celtic’s recent Europa League game against Rennes.
Celtic fans: Can Celtic afford to sell Ntcham?
Let him go for the right fee
Keep him, he's important
And some Celtic fans have reacted to this news, speaking out what the club should demand as fee for the midfielder.
Couldn’t afford him
— Steven O’Neill (@steveon7) December 25, 2019
Nothing less than 17.5 million
— DC (@DC94__) December 25, 2019
He would walk the French league.
— Liam (@LiamBronaldo) December 25, 2019
59 mullyin!!
— Who? (@HerrDoktor7) December 25, 2019
The money will come in handy for the other striker plus l shankland.
— Henry E. Thripshaw The First. (@securityarei) December 26, 2019
Is he aye,
— I wanna be Edouard (@Jifly6) December 25, 2019
Soumare is 20 and despite that, he has been a crucial player for Lille this season. He has played 17 times in the Ligue 1 this season, also playing every single game of the club’s UEFA Champions League group stage round.
As for Ntcham, he too has been an important player for the Hoops. He has played 27 times in all competitions for the club this season. He has racked up a tally of five goals, also picking up four assists on the way.
Last season, the Frenchman had been just as important in the heart of the park. He played 37 games in all competitions. He racked up a tally of six goals, also coming up with a single assist for them.
The midfielder joined Celtic from Manchester City in the summer of 2017 for a fee of around £4.5m.
What do we think?
Since Soumare is considered to be one of the best young midfielders in France, Lille will get a big fee out of his sale. Celtic should look at that feel that they can take advantage and ask for a high fee if Lille do come calling for Ntcham. It would present a big profit for the club.