Celtic interim boss John Kennedy has cleared up any confusion regarding a possible exit for Karamoko Dembele this summer.
The Lowdown: Dembele rumours
Dembele, 18, netted his first senior goal for the Hoops in a 4-0 win over St Johnstone on Wednesday evening.
The winger was linked with a summer exit back in January, with former Celtic man Mark Wilson adamant Dembele would move on at the end of the current campaign.
French sides Lille and Nantes were thought to be keen on the youngster’s services, and, at the time, it was believed his deal was set to expire at the end of the season.
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The Latest: Kennedy confirms length of contract
However, talking after the win over St Johnstone, as reported by The Scottish Sun, Kennedy cleared up Dembele’s contract situation, describing the teenager as ‘terrific’ in the process.
“There is a lot of speculation in terms of Karamoko being out of contract in the summer.
“I don’t know where that has come from because he has another year left.
“In terms of him, again a young player and every young player has a different pathway.
“Karamoko has been spoken about as the next superstar, but people develop physically at different rates.
“He is probably one who still has a bit of development, but is a terrific talent — we know that.
“It’s not a token gesture [his substitute appearance], he has done well in training recently.”
The Verdict: Gives Hoops vital time
With Dembele actually having another 12 months on his Celtic deal left to run, that may give the Hoops the time required to persuade him his long-term future lies in Glasgow.
He’s only made seven senior appearances for the club to date, and you’d expect he’d have to be guaranteed more game time for him to pen a new deal at Parkhead.
With sides in France recently keen and Kennedy admitting he has been spoken about as a ‘superstar’, the next 12 months for Celtic could prove crucial in regards to ensuring his future is with the Bhoys.
That said, a fresh faced new arrival in the dugout - one like Eddie Howe perhaps - could be just what he needs to really kickstart his career in Glasgow.
In other news: Celtic keen on versatile ace who could move to Parkhead for next to nothing, find out more here.