Celtic have accepted a bid from French side Lyon for striker Moussa Dembele.
The Scottish Premiership champions are set to sell the 21-year-old for around €22.5m.
According to Get French Football News, the Frenchman will put pen to paper on a five-year contract.
Dembele reportedly underwent a medical in Glasgow earlier today.
The club announced this evening they they’ve accepted an offer from Lyon for the former Fulham star.
#CelticFC tonight can confirm that the club has accepted an offer from Lyon for the transfer of striker Moussa Dembele.
Full statement ⬇️ https://t.co/AX4a4FokJ4
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 31, 2018
Commenting on the deal, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Every decision we make at Celtic will always be in the best interests of the Club and our supporters.
“It is vital to make clear that we have never promised any player that he can leave the Club at a particular time. It has never happened. In fact, we have said all along that we did not wish to sell Moussa, given the circumstances within the transfer window and that is why we rejected a significant offer yesterday.
“However, this particular decision to accept this offer has been taken in order to serve the best interests of the first-team squad, my coaching team and the culture and environment we have created in these last two seasons.
“The Board and myself are united and they have been very supportive to me on this issue.
“Our real focus now turns to Sunday’s match and beyond, working with our players here who are committed to doing all they can to ensure another successful season for the Club.
“Finally, I would like to thank Moussa for his contribution in our last two seasons and want to wish him well in his new adventure at Lyon.”
Celtic’s decision to sell could be as a result of Dembele’s social media outburst.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “A man, without his word, is nothing. A real man keeps his word.”
He added: ”Don’t get it wrong Bhoys and Ghirls nothing to do with people who really care about the club @CelticFC too much love and respect for you and the crest #CarefulWhoYouCallTheLeaderOfYours.”
It has been a busy day at Celtic Park, with Youssouf Mulumbu arriving on a two-year deal and a couple of players leaving on loan.
Mulumbu, who was a free agent after leaving Kilmarnock at the end of last season, said: “I walked on to the pitch when I signed and it felt amazing. These are the reasons we play football.
“My immediate focus is to stay fit and ready and be 100 per cent ready. I’ve played at Celtic Park as the opposition and it’s a special place to play, so I’m looking forward to being part of the team and playing there.
“I cannot describe how amazing this day is for me, but it’s one step to the other. I have signed but now I must work hard to play.
“The first goal for me is to show to the manager that I’m ready. Anytime he needs me I will respond on the pitch. I know the game and what is expected of me so I’m going to be ready when the gaffer needs me.
“This is what you work for as a footballer. To play in a big team like Celtic is just amazing. I always work very hard and I want to help the young lads here. We have so much to achieve. We need to do well in the Europa League, retain all the domestic trophies and continue winning the Glasgow derbies. It’s amazing to be part of that.”
Jack Aitchison and Calvin Miller have joined Dumbarton and Dundee respectively.
Be the first to comment