Celtic are being made to wait for their sell-on fee from Moussa Dembele’s proposed move from Lyon. The 23-year-old was subject of a bid from Chelsea this week but Lyon have responded saying that they ‘wish to keep’ the Frenchman.
Celtic would be due a fraction of whatever price Dembele eventually sells for as part of the agreement that saw him switch the Scottish Championship for Ligue 1.
Manchester United were touted as being in for Dembele; however it was Frank Lampard’s Chelsea that made the first move to secure the ex-Celt’s services launching a £34m bid.
Lyon responded by issuing a statement which highlighted their intent on keeping Dembele for the Champions League Last 16. On their official website, the club set out to deter the gathering swarm of clubs pursuing Dembele.
“Olympique Lyonnais has taken note of certain information relayed by the media suggesting that Moussa Dembele could interest other clubs during this transfer window.
“We would like to reaffirm its wish, as in the summer of 2019, to keep Moussa Dembele.
“The club has full confidence in Moussa and counts in particular on him to build a successful team for the seasons to come.”
Lyon will be keen to keep Dembele due to their rank performance in the league so far with them sitting in 12th; however, this might hasten the exit from the player’s point of view.
Dembele was a fans favourite in Glasgow, especially after a hat-trick versus Rangers. He is fondly remembered despite a controversial last minute exit in September 2018. A windfall could aid Neil Lennon’s side in strengthening ahead of the return of SPFL action, with Celtic in need of recruitments following the defeat to Rangers.
