Journalist Gordon Parks has issued some updates about Celtic’s chances of signing Fraser Forster and Mohamed Elyounoussi from Southampton on a permanent basis.
Parks was recently talking on the Record Celtic podcast and the latest episode revolved around Hoops transfers. When a discussion about the club’s intentions to keep Forster and Elyounoussi took place, Parks gave some updates about the situation.
Forster has recently been linked with a move to Chelsea, while Elyounoussi has reportedly told his friends that he wants to stay at Parkhead. Both the players had arrived at Celtic on loan from Southampton in the summer of 2019.
When the discussion about the two players took place, Parks had some good news to share. The journalist said: “I think one of the ironic elements of the pandemic is that the financial climate within world football, European football and British football has changed. The money that was swelling about is now no longer there and I think that enhances Celtic’s chances of getting both [players].
Are you confident that Celtic will sign Forster and Elyounoussi?
We'll surely sign them
I don't think so
“I think if they can deal with Southampton and come to some kind of credible financial agreement, which makes sense for Celtic and for them, then it’s going to happen.”
Parks also revealed that because of the pandemic, Southampton may not have what it takes to keep players that aren’t playing for the club.
He said: “I think the days of Southampton being able to hold players for ransom and demanding the kind of money for players that aren’t effectively getting a game are gone with this health crisis. Clubs are having to re-budget, re-look at the figures and that can help Celtic bring both of them back to Celtic for the new season.”
Parks clearly sounds very optimistic about the club’s chase of both the players. And it seems as if the pandemic will have a role to play in all of this.
TIF Thoughts…
Since arriving, Elyounoussi has done well for Celtic despite having suffered an injury issue. He made 20 appearances in all competitions, contributing to 13 goals. In the Premiership, the Norwegian contributed to a total of six goals in ten games (via Transfermarkt).
As for Forster, the Englishman has been a regular between the sticks and has made 39 appearances in all competitions. Apart from saving penalties against Copenhagen and Rangers, he came up with very good performances in the Europa League against Rennes, Cluj and Lazio, as his WhoScored match ratings show.
This shows how important both these players can be. Parks suggests that the pandemic will impact clubs financially, so Celtic would be better off signing tried and tested players like Forster and Elyounoussi.