Southampton: Real Sociedad join Celtic in race to sign Saints’ £16m man

La Liga side Real Sociedad have reportedly joined the race to sign Mohamed Elyounoussi from Southampton during the summer transfer window.

According to an exclusive report from Football Insider, they have made the Norwegian one of their top targets come the end of the current campaign.

They are expected to face competition from Celtic though given that Elyounoussi is enjoying a successful loan spell in Glasgow currently.

The 25-year-old signed for Saints back at the beginning of the 2018/19 season in a £16m deal and was brought in from Basel where he had attracted attention with eye-catching displays.

However, it didn’t work out for him on the South Coast and he failed to register a goal or assist in 19 games in all competitions.

His form has improved brilliantly in Scotland this year though and he seems to thrive whilst playing under huge pressure at current SPL Champions Celtic.

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Consistent starts under Neil Lennon’s management have seen him accumulate seven goals and six assists in just 17 appearances – form that sees him reaching the levels that he did at previous clubs.

A foot injury back in November curtailed his progress somewhat and he only returned to fitness midway through January, but this could be good news for all parties in a strange way.

It means that Elyounoussi has lost his starting place at the moment and will have to be working hard to get it back.

This in turn could see his attitude and work-ethic impress Celtic more – further increasing the chance of them making a permanent move for him come the summer window.

Competition from Real Sociedad is likely to increase his price tag more, although the report from Football Insider states that Saints value Elyounoussi at £8-10m and seem willing to take a sizeable loss on the player.

La Liga would provide a standard of football level with the standard of the Premier League for Elyounoussi to try and apply his skills in, and it remains to be seen whether he will be wanting to make the bold move to Spain or the safer option in Scotland.