Sebastian Tounekti was disenchanted however not deterred by Celtic’s shock Champions League exit earlier than the Hoops’ summer-long curiosity in him ultimately led to a deadline-day transfer to Parkhead.
The 23-year-old Norway-born Tunisia winger joined Brendan Rodgers’ aspect from Swedish outfit Hammarby on a five-year contract for a price of £5.2m.
Earlier than that, nevertheless, Celtic have been overwhelmed within the Champions League play-off by Kazakhstan aspect Kairat Almaty on a penalty shoot-out after two goalless video games.
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Tounekti made his Celtic debut in Sunday’s Scottish Premiership win at Kilmarnock
Tounekti made a formidable debut within the 2-1 win towards Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, when half of the travelling help opted to boycott the opening 12 minutes in protest on the membership’s board following a perceived underwhelming switch window.
Afterwards, Rodgers mentioned: “You take a look at Sebastian at the moment, if we now have him in after I needed to have him in, then it may be a distinct sport for us.”
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Sebastian Tounekti has signed a five-year deal at Celtic
Talking at Celtic Park, Tounekti mentioned: “I heard in regards to the curiosity via the summer season, and naturally, I watched the Champions League video games and all of us needed to undergo into the Champions League.
“However everyone knows that in soccer, it is by no means simple, and particularly additionally if you play Champions League qualifiers or play-offs, you are going to meet groups who’re good and the staff from Kazakhstan performed effectively.
“As I mentioned, after all you needed the staff to undergo, however the actuality is that we will play within the Europa League and we will do every little thing we are able to to have a very good marketing campaign.
“Once I heard about Celtic, I informed my agent and everybody round me that it was my solely selection if I used to be supposed to go away Hammarby at this stage.
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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says the penalty given towards Kilmarnock after a VAR test was ‘so harsh’, with Celtic happening to win the sport from the ensuing spot-kick
“Celtic is an enormous membership, with a number of historical past, that win titles.
“So for a participant of my age, it’s the greatest steps that I may have made. And I do know the enjoying fashion ought to match me effectively.
“So it was a very easy selection to return right here and naturally, every little thing across the membership, the followers and the superb stadiums and to play Europa League soccer, it was a match.
“I wish to play for Celtic for a very long time. Hopefully we are able to win many trophies collectively and I see myself being right here for a few years.”
Tounekti needed to bear a “fairly hectic” and traumatic switch deadline day earlier than his transfer to Glasgow was sealed.
The previous Tromsdalen, Bodo/Glimt, Haugesund and Ranheim attacker mentioned: “The window was closing on Monday night.
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Match winner Kelechi Iheanacho additionally made his Celtic debut at Rugby Park
“So we needed to get every little thing via, medical and paperwork, however all honour to Celtic and Hammarby, they managed it and it went fairly quick on Monday.
“It was a bit little bit of a traumatic day, however I am simply joyful to be right here.
“I knew that Hammarby did not wish to promote me. They have been preventing for a Europa place and I used to be possibly one of many primary males there.
“I had a very good discuss with Hammarby and I informed him about my ambitions and I informed him that that is one thing I needed actually unhealthy and all respect to Hammarby. I am simply joyful that we may discover a answer for everybody.”
