LYON have exercised their option to buy Karl Toko Ekambi on a four-year deal. The deal was confirmed this afternoon that the French side have signed Cameroon Internationalist for a fee in the region of €11.5m.

The deal is a sign of forward planning by Lyon as they attempt to improve on their league position next season and finish the remaining competitions – the Coupe de France and Champions League.

The deal also proves that Lyon are preparing for the inevitable departure of Moussa Dembele, which could be huge news for Celtic.

We're pleased to announce we've taken up our purchase option on Karl Toko Ekambi, who's signed a four-year deal! 🙌 https://t.co/gNAHyXbpgb

— OL English 🇬🇧 (@OL_English) June 2, 2020

Last month, Dembele was linked with a £60m move to Manchester United, which would be incredible for Lyon who have failed to qualify for Europe this year and Celtic, who are unsure what effect Coronavirus will have on football.

Celtic are believed to have a 15% sell-on fee for Dembele, which would rake in an astonishing £6m as it would be taken off of Lyon’s profit of the deal – which would be £40m.

A potential £6m windfall would be perfect for Celtic at the moment given the strain that COVID-19 has put on Scottish football. It also would allow the club to position themselves better when the inevitable interest for our star players come.

Kris Ajer, Callum McGregor and Odsonne Edouard will all be sought after in the summer but Celtic should hold firm owing to the strong financial position in the bank.

Celtic will be hopeful to sign Moi Elypunoussi and Fraser Forster from Southampton and any cash from a Dembele deal would allow the club to make moves in the transfer window.