Olivier Ntcham is set to arrive in Athens ahead of contract talks to sign for AEK Athens. The Greek side, who put Celtic out of the Champions League Qualifiers in 2018, finished fourth in the league last season and have moved swiftly to bring the 25-year-old to their club. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Ntcham has been released by Celtic and is free to contract with a new team.
However, Celtic are yet to confirm whether the option to release Ntcham has been taken. It is likely that a small fee will be in order with the player still with a year on his deal in Glasgow if the club do exercise this option. Di Marzio does say that the player is on his way to Greece in order to agree a deal and this may be one of a few departures that the club are expecting this summer. His departure, as one of the club’s top earners, means that Ange Postecoglou can spend the cash on players that fit his system more whilst Ntcham can attempt to rebuild his career in Greece.
Kris Ajer and Odsonne Edouard are almost certain to be gone by the start of next season with Ryan Christie also likely to attract interest. Ntcham has struggled in the last year after finishing the 2019/20 campaign strongly. He was linked with a move during that season to Porto and West Ham but the last season and his failed move to Marseille has resulted in Ntcham’s stock falling.
Good riddance. Lots of ability but gave very little effort when we needed it most