Damien Comolli has confirmed, via Les Violets, that Toulouse want to sign Vakoun Bayo in a permanent deal, and the Celtic striker wants to join the Ligue 2 side as well.
Bayo moved to Stadium TFC last August on loan but only found his feet from the turn of the year. After scoring just twice in his first 12 second-tier appearances, the 24-year-old struck home nine in his next 18 games.
The forward’s efforts helped fire Toulouse into the promotion play-offs but lost to Nantes in the final on away goals. Patrice Garande almost led Le Tefece to automatic promotion before leaving the club earlier this month, missing out on a top-two finish by just two points.
Had Toulouse secured a place in Ligue 1, Bayo may have already sealed a permanent transfer away from Celtic. But missing out meant President Comolli could not afford a €1.5m (£1.3m) option, after agreeing with new manager Philippe Montanier to pursue a deal.
“The ball is in his court,” Comolli said. “I await a response from him. When he left after the end of the season, he told me he wanted to stay. I had a lot of discussions with his agent. We talked about it with Philippe, he’s a player he would like to have and me too.
“We had a purchase option, which we did not exercise, because it was too important for the Ligue 2. It was something we could only consider in Ligue 1. I don’t know if Celtic would repeat him, as his contractual situation is a bit nebulous. We are ready to take him back, but in what form, I don’t know yet.”
Toulouse unlikely to sign Celtic striker Bayo on second loan
Toulouse will likely need Celtic to lower their valuation of Bayo for the forward to return to France this summer. It is doubtful the Hoops would consider sending the Ivorian back out on loan with his contract expiring in 2022.
This summer represents Celtic’s final chance to get a good price for Bayo and his Toulouse form will have helped. After turning things around in Ligue 2 from January, the two-cap striker also scored twice in the Coupe de France and once in the play-offs.
Bayo also offered four assists across all competitions, after scoring just twice and assisting one in 16 games for Celtic in 2019/20. He could now get a new start at Parkhead under Ange Postecoglou, but seemingly prefers returning to Stadium TFC permanently.
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