Olivier Ntcham joins Marseille on loan with Ligue 1 side having option to buy Celtic midfielder

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham has joined Marseille on loan, with the Ligue 1 side having an option to buy the Frenchman in the summer.
Olivier Ntcham has completed a loan move to MarseilleOlivier Ntcham has completed a loan move to Marseille
Olivier Ntcham has completed a loan move to Marseille

The former Manchester City youngster joined Celtic in 2017, signing a four-year deal after a loan spell at Genoa, and scored nine goals in an impressive debut season in which he made 48 appearances in all competitions.

His early form for the Bhoys caught the eye of numerous clubs including Porto, who had a £13.5 million bid for the player knocked back in August 2018. He continued to attract attention with Marseille, Lyon, Newcastle, and Southampton all credited with an interest at various points since the rejected approach from the Portuguese side.

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The 24-year-old has barely featured for the Hoops this season since a 70-minute appearance against Aberdeen in October, with his only outings since then from the bench.

Speaking earlier today Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: “I have spoken to Olivier over the two years since I have been here.

"I think he is looking for a fresh start or to progress his career elsewhere and he's made that clear over a long period of time. I wouldn't be overly surprised if he left."

Ntcham could make his move to Marseille permanent for £4.5 million in the summer if the French side decide to take up the option on the player.

Wednesday’s trip to Lens may be too soon for Ntcham to make his bow for Les Olympiens but he could make his debut on Saturday – when OM host Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Velodrome.

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