Celtic have made a £2.5 million bid for a centre-forward in the form of his life. At least, that is what to French publication L’Equipe are reporting on Wednesday.
In 30 games this season, Alexandre Mendy has hit the target 16 times for Ligue 2 outfit Caen. Not a bad tally at all, especially when you consider that the late-blooming 28-year-old has never before hit double figures in a single campaign.
But are Celtic simply barking up the wrong tree?
Mendy’s agent, Yacine Ayad, said only a couple of weeks ago that the twice-capped Guinea Bissau international would not be going anywhere in the summer transfer window after all.
“He is followed by European clubs,” Ayad told Le10 Sport.
“Alexandre is focused on his good season and wants to do everything possible to ensure that the team finishes in the best place. There is no departure on the agenda. Alexandre will be at Caen next season.”
Will Celtic sign Alexandre Mendy?
A lot can change in three weeks. Especially in a world as fickle and unforgiving as top-level football.
A run of three games without a win have seen any lingering play-off hopes go up in smoke, meaning Caen – and therefore Mendy – will be playing their football in the second tier of French football once again in 2022/23.
Mendy is clearly not the type to up sticks at the drop of a hat. He himself admits to Ouest France that he remains committed to The Vikings even if their promotion prospects have been consigned to an eternity in Niflheim.
But opportunities like Celtic do not come around often.
“I cannot guarantee 100 per cent (that I will stay at Caen) because anything can happen in football,” Mendy explains. “But I’m looking for stability. I’m happy here with good staff, a good team, in a beautiful city.
“I feel good and I signed a four-year contract, so I have two left. I am very happy.”
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Mendy made those comments, however, before Celtic made their move. Committed to Caen he may be but the prospect of playing Champions League football and fighting for silverware in Glasgow could make even the most loyal of players wonder how green the grass may be elsewhere.
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