Pundit View: Star ‘Gave everything’ to force Celtic exit after £12m price slashed – Exclusive
Alan Hutton believes Olivier Ntcham “gave everything” to force a move from Celtic to Marseille on deadline day.
The former Rangers and Scotland star, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Hoops were happy to “cut their losses” on the French midfielder after his fall down the pecking order at Parkhead.
As revealed by Football Insider, Marseille have an obligatory purchase clause to sign the 24-year-old at the end of his loan spell from Celtic.
The Hoops, who demanded £12million for the midfielder last summer, slashed the Frenchman’s asking price to £7million back in January but ultimately accepted Marseille’s loan offer.
Glasgow Live report the purchase clause is as low as £4.5million – the same amount Celtic spent on his capture from Manchester City in 2017.
However, Hutton suggested the Hoops will just be happy to offload Ntcham after his indifferent performances under Neil Lennon.
Asked if he thought £4.5million was bad business for Celtic, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think this is the situation we’re in, I think all the clubs are in the same boat, they cannot afford (to spend big).
“Marseille are in a difficult spot as it is, they’re struggling in the league, the fans are revolting, turning up at the training ground – it’s not ideal for them either.
“I think that’s just where we’re at and has he put in the performances, recently, that justifies £11-12million? I don’t think so, in my opinion, and he’s been desperate to leave any way he can.
“I think Celtic have just looked at that, he’s probably tried to push it through, Ntcham, probably gave everything to try and get out of there so it was probably a case of: ‘Let’s cut our losses, we’re getting £5million for him in a difficult period of time.’ Add the £11.5million on Frimpong and they might see that as a win.”
Ntcham looks set to end his time at Celtic with 147 appearances, 24 goals and 13 assists under his belt.
In other news, a football finance expert claims Celtic could boost their revenue significantly by copying Rangers.