It is shaping up to be a busy summer down on the south coast for Bournemouth, with the club having already signed Lloyd Kelly to strengthen their defence.
The 20-year-old, however, is unlikely to be joined by Celtic’s Olivier Ntcham after the Cherries reportedly rejected the chance to bring him to the Vitality Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail, Celtic were interested in doing a deal for Lys Mousset that would have seen Ntcham head in the other direction. But with Bournemouth having seemingly turned the proposition down, it looks like it is going to take cash and cash only for them to part ways with their French striker.
Surely, though, the Premier League outfit have missed a trick here by rebuffing Celtic? Mousset has simply not worked out for them since arriving from Le Havre, while Ntcham has been brilliant for the Scottish giants.
In the middle of the park, Ntcham has brought a real combative presence to this Celtic side, making tackles and muscling his opponents off of the ball.
Alongside Jefferson Lerma, the Frenchman could have helped form some midfield partnership, with both destructive midfielders also capable of advancing play.
Ultimately, given Mousset’s failures, it really seemed like a no-brainer. Perhaps Eddie Howe is content with his current options for the engine room, or maybe the club want to recoup back all the money they spent on the former Le Havre man and more?
Whatever the case, it feels like an opportunity missed for Bournemouth if Ntcham really was on the table.
Bournemouth fans, would Ntcham have been a good signing? Let us know yours thoughts in the comment section below.
About the Author
