Scottish Premiership champions Celtic paid £7m to sign Jullien from Toulouse – but is his future in the Premier League?
Celtic might be one of the most proud, historic and successful clubs in European football but they are also something of a stepping stone for players who have their sights firmly fixed on earning a move south of the border.
In the last few years, Victor Wanyama, Stuart Armstrong, Virgil van Dijk, Gary Hooper and Joe Ledley have all headed to the Premier League after making their name in green and white hoops.
And it seems that Christopher Jullien, the £7 million summer signing from Toulouse, also has his heart set on playing for a club in the most high-profile domestic competition anywhere in Europe.
“(Celtic) is a great institution, which is not only watched by English clubs. The desire is to perform (because) there will be people in the stands,” the giant centre-back told France Football.
“I want to settle down and be effective. Yes, the English Premier League has always been a goal, a dream, for sure. But today, I have taken a path that will make me grow whatever happens. We do not know what the future will be like.”
Clearly, Jullien is loving life at Celtic and the fans are loving him too. Dedryck Boyata’s replacement has made a big impression already and looked worth every penny of his mammoth price-tag during that formidable display in Thursday’s impressive Europa League draw at Rennes.
But Jullien knows that there will be clubs queuing up to sign him next year if he continues to shine for the reigning Scottish champions.
And convincing him to turn down the bright lights of the Premier League and stay in a land of artificial pitches and long, cold winters will be easier said than done.
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