Siriki Dembele looks set to stay at Peterborough United with “very little interest” being shown in a forward who’s been linked with Celtic, Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as reported by the Peterborough Telegraph.
So the question on everyone’s lips is – why on earth haven’t offers been rolling in for a gifted young attacker who contributed 12 goals and 12 assists en route to promotion last season? Dembele’s haul included a stunning solo effort against Swindon, a Messi-esque mix of persistence and ingenuity.
Well, with just one year left on a contract due to expire in 2022, we can only assume a potential £15 million price tag has suitors running for the hills.
Such a fee would require Celtic to invest a club-record sum in a player who has never played at a level higher than the third tier of English football.
The likes of Wolves and Newcastle United as well as Nottingham Forest, West Bromwich Albion and Scottish Premiership champions Rangers have also been linked (PT).
But, as it stands, Peterborough are preparing for life back in the Championship with their most naturally gifted player in tow.
Will Celtic and Rangers wait for Siriki Dembele?
“I can’t see us selling anyone before the season starts. We have had no offers for Siriki, not ones that will turn our heads at least,” says Posh boss Darren Ferguson.
“Siriki is therefore very much part of my plans. If he trains well, he will be in contention to play – and he has trained very well so far.”
“We could sell Siriki in January if we want to. He could also sign his new contract,” added director of football Barry Fry.
“We won’t be giving him away, that’s for sure, but so far there has been very little interest in him.”
That could change between now and September, of course, but it seems Celtic, Rangers, West Brom and co will put Dembele on the back burner until his price tag drops in January.
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