On 22 March, I ran a Twitter poll asking Celtic fans if they think the club should sign Moi Elyounoussi on a permanent basis in the summer. The poll also noted that he was available for £5m, which was in line with reports emanating from Southampton at the time. 69% of respondents said that they felt Celtic should shell out for the player, whilst 31% were less convinced.
In terms of qualitative data, there were comments which expressed concern over his lack of consistency and one or two worries about whether he was worth his hefty wages.
That poll was published a day after Elyounoussi scored a great diving header in the Glasgow Derby. Since then, he has scored a magnificent goal against Falkirk (coming on as a second half substitute) and then bagged himself a sensational brace today. These goals take his tally to 17 for the campaign, coming in just 40 appearances (several appearances were as a substitute).
Considering that the Norwegian international is a left midfielder, who has also played in unnatural positions at times this season, his goal return is outstanding. Meanwhile, he has also provided 7 assists.
With a rebuild looming and wide options being few, Moi Elyounoussi’s increasingly impressive performances may force the incoming Celtic recruitment/management team, whoever they may be, to pursue the player on a permanent basis. At £5m he would represent good value when compared to other players of his calibre. Indeed, it’s not just his scoring record that is commendable, but the manner in which he has taken some of his goals of late.
