Celtic have confirmed that Mohamed Elyounoussi has returned to the club on a season-long loan deal.
The 25-year-old joined the Hoops on a temporary deal from Southampton last summer and quickly became a fan favourite.
The Norwegian international offered creativity and goals after getting up to peak fitness and hit the target seven times in a blistering eight-game spell before his campaign was curtailed by a foot injury.
Despite interest from La Liga outfit Real Betis, Elyounoussi has opted for a return to Scotland for a second term in Glasgow having spent 2019/20 with Neil Lennon ’s squad at Parkhead.
Elyounoussi, whose initial loan spell expired last night, sparkled during the opening months of his Celtic career after sealing a first short-term switch last August.
The club confirmed: "Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that Mohamed Elyounoussi has signed a new season-long loan with the Scottish Champions. The Norwegian internationalist spent last season with the Hoops on loan from Southampton, playing his part in the club’s nine-in-a-row title success.
"The 25-year-old made his debut in a 1-0 win away to Hamilton Accies back in September last year, while he netted the first of seven Celtic goals in a UEFA Europa League group-stage victory over CFR Cluj at Celtic Park.
"He also scored doubles in the 6-0 home win over Ross County and the 5-2 League Cup semi-final win over Hibernian, and he picked up two medals with Neil Lennon’s side last season – the League Cup and the Premiership. And the attacker was part of the first ever Celtic side to win a competitive match in Italy, when the Hoops beat Lazio 2-1 in Rome.
"Celtic fans will be delighted that Moi has returned to Paradise for the 2020/21 season, ready to play his part in what will be a momentous campaign ahead."
Having sealed a move for Elyounoussi, Celtic chiefs will remain in discussions with Southampton as they now look to also take Fraser Forster back to the club following his own spell last term.
The goalkeeper has two years of his contract to run at St Mary’s, but Lennon is hopeful of landing the 32-year-old for at least another one season after the England international played a key role in last term’s title success.
