It’s never quite happened for former Celtic prodigy Karamoko Dembele

Every since he made his Celtic Under-20 debut at the age of 13 in 2016, Karamoko Dembele was tipped for a big future in the game. There hadn’t been such excitement over the potential of a youth player since the unfortunate and badly advised Islam Furuz.

Photo by Stuart Wallace/BPI/Shutterstock – Karamoko Dembele of Celtic. Celtic v Rangers, Scottish FA Youth Cup Final, Football, Hampden Park, Glasgow, UK – 25 Apr 2019

Karamoko was the stand out player at several high profile youth tournaments, once being named by the reputable French sports paper L’Equipe as one of six outstanding young players tipped to revolutionise the game.

Karamoko Dembele Stade Brestois FOOTBALL : Stade Brestois vs OL – Ligue 1 – Journ e 16- 28/12/2022 BaptisteAutissier/Panoramic

He was of course also involved in a tug of war between Scotland and England as the two nations battled it out for the youngster, in the end he unfortunately pledged his allegiance to The Three Lions.

He made his finally awaited Celtic debut coming on as a substitute in the final game of the season against Hearts in 2019 and impressed in his time on the pitch. The following week he was named on the bench for the Scottish Cup final and although an unused sub he picked up a winners medal as the hoops sealed The Treble Treble.

Photo by Stuart Wallace/BPI/Shutterstock Karamoko Dembele of Celtic makes his first team debut as a half-time substitute for Oliver Burke. Celtic v Hearts, Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership

He failed to break into the first team and was used sparingly over the next few Seasons. Karamoko would score what would prove to be his only Celtic goal against St Johnstone at the end of a disappointing Season in 2021.

The arrival of Ange Postecoglou gave young Karamoko a final chance to impress with one year of his contract left remaining. He was unfortunately not given that chance as he suffered a horrific ankle injury in a pre season friendly against Bristol City. It was a cruel blow.

Dundee United v Celtic – Scottish Cup – Quarter Final – Tannadice Park Celtics Karamoko Dembele celebrates his sides third goal during the Scottish Cup, Quarter Final at Tannadice Park, Dundee. Monday March 14, 2022. Photo Andrew Milligan

He didn’t return to action until February and only made one top team appearance under Ange, which was an appearance from the bench in a league match against St Mirren at Celtic Park.

Unfortunately his time at Celtic came to an end and he wasn’t offered a new deal and decided to try his luck abroad with Brest in France, but sadly he has failed to impress for the Ligue 1 side so far, but of course he’s on a four year contract so he still has time to make that move a successful one.