Forgotten Celtic treble-winning hero left unemployed aged 28 after release following Premier League spell
HE was part of the Celtic side that made history with an unprecedented quadruple treble success in 2020.
But just three years on, the tricky winger is about to be without a club and seeking his next move.
Mohamed Elyounoussi was snapped-up on loan by Neil Lennon in the summer of 2019 from Southampton.
It was a bit of a coup for the Hoops, landing a player who just one year previously had cost the Saints £16million.
He went on to play a role in the Parkhead outfit’s stunning achievement that season as they won an unprecedented fourth consecutive domestic treble.
Elyounoussi scored eight times in 21 matches in all competitions during the campaign.
The Norway international started both cup final victories, the 1-0 win over Rangers in the League Cup and the dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Hearts in the Scottish Cup.
The latter triumph was secured after a 3-3 draw, and took place much later in the year after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the schedules.
Elyounoussi impressed Hoops bosses enough to earn another spell at Parkhead, being brought back for a second season on loan.
He featured in 45 matches, scoring 17 goals as he enjoyed a solid individual season.
It was a campaign, however, that ended in heartbreak for Celtic as they couldn’t secure a 10th title in a row.
Elyounoussi scored in a 1-1 draw against champions Rangers in March 2021, a goal that meant the Gers wouldn’t be able to match the Hoops’ record points haul of 106 from four years previously.
The forward returned to Southampton at the end of that season following Ange Postecoglou‘s arrival at Celtic.
Having failed to establish himself in the Premier League prior to his spell at Celtic, Elyounoussi became a key man for Southanmpton, bagging eight goals on his return season.
Last season proved less fruitful however as the Saints were relegated to the Championship.
And that has proved to be Elyounoussi’s final season with the club.
Despite discussions over a new contract, he’s confirmed he’s on his way out and will be looking for a new side.
He said: “I’m done. We’ve agreed on that. The contract expires at the end of June, and then I’m a Bosman player (out of contract).
“We looked at the whole situation. It’s been a troubled season. Many replacements.
“I’m glad we waited and looked at the situation first.
“Then maybe it was just as well to stand again as a Bosman player in the end.
“It was surprisingly emotional. Maybe not right away, but afterwards in the locker room. I made a little speech.
“There’s something about being there for so long, sharing that dressing room with so many players, staff and people who have worked there for so long.
“I became sensitive, that is. I didn’t think so. Life goes on, I’ve changed clubs before, but it was special.”
Elyounoussi is currently with the Norway squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with Scotland.
It’s a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier and a huge one for the Norwegians who only have one point to show from their opening two matches.
Scotland head into the game top of Group A after six points from six.
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