Celtic are sceptical that Karamoko Dembele will stay at Parkhead beyond this season when his contract expires, and may not even offer the winger a new deal to grant a free transfer.
That’s according to The Athletic, who note some Bhoys chiefs are uncertain whether either party will look to stay together. Dembele has been on the Celtic books since 2013 when he joined the Hoops’ academy, before rising up through the ranks into the senior fold in 2019.
But the 19-year-old’s progress has stagnated and a nightmare six month spell out of action with a fractured ankle last year has only seen him make 10 first-team appearances. Two of which have come since the youngster’s return from injury in February for just 20 minutes.
Celtic had much hope for Dembele as he rose through the youth levels, but he has failed to meet expectations. His early performances also drew interest from Barcelona, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but no big club is knocking on his door for a transfer this summer.
Celtic sceptical Karamoko Dembele will stay at Parkhead beyond this season
Now, Celtic are sceptical that Dembele will want to agree a new contract and are dubious they will offer one. Yet Ange Postecoglou’s show of faith with minutes against St Mirren in the Premiership and Dundee United in the Scottish Cup has created an avenue for talks.
Postecoglou has surprised some in the Celtic hierarchy by affording Dembele brief chances to showcase his potential. And further opportunities before his deal ends in May could see the England, Scotland and potential Ivory Coast youth international elect to stay for longer.
But the youngster, who Neil Lennon praised for his ‘quality’, will likely have to show he can offer more than brief cameos off the bench to warrant an extension in the coming months.
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