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Elyounoussi Joins Celtic

Moi Elyounoussi has joined Fraser Forster at Celtic, but will Saints be able to move on any other players before the transfer window outside of England closes.

Mohammed Elyounoussi has joined Celtic on a season long loan, joining Fraser Forster in Glasgow in a move that is good for both the player and the club.

The player himself is a long way from forcing his way into Ralph Hasenhuttl's plans after never really being able to put in a decent performance good enough to justify his big transfer fee last season, in fairness to Elyounoussi it was never for a lack of trying and his attitude seemed to be decent, but that harder he tried the less it seemed to happen.

So a move to Celtic will enable him to get a regular game and regain his confidence etc and then perhaps next season he will be back to his best which could lead to either a return to the Saints squad or a move elsewhere.

From a Saints perspective they would perhaps have preferred a permanent deal, but the loan move reduces the wage bill and it is perhaps a sign of how way down the pecking order he is, that even with Nathan Redmond likely to be out for a few weeks, the club were still willing to let him go.

But will there be more departures from St Mary's before Monday, Mario Lemina, Wesley Hoedt, Cedric and Sofiane Boufal have all been players linked with moves over the summer and so far this season none have played any significant game time in the Premier League.

Mario Lemina is the one with most to lose, if he fails to secure a move, then he faces several months estranged from the first team squad and perhaps having to train alone, Lemina is seen as a disruptive influence and it is likely that Saints would not even wanting him training with the academy players, a move away would benefit all, but with his attitude Saints are in no mood to let him go cheaply.

Wesley Hoedt is another who hasn't played in any of the games since July and the question is whether if he stays then he will be reintegrated back into the squad, although there are no questions about his attitude, he seemingly feels his career lies away from St Mary's and that being the case Ralph hasenhuttl doesn't have people in his squad who want away.

Cedric and Boufal are slightly different in that they have been involved in the games since the season started properly and both could feature this afternoon against Manchester United.

Boufal especially will see an opportunity to impress with the injury to Nathan Redmond.

So Saints will hope for at least another two departures ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday.

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