Celtic striker Moussa Dembele joins Lyon for £19.7m

Brendan Rodgers’ side rejected an offer from Lyon on Thursday, but Dembele’s response appears to have prompted Celtic to decide that a transfer was the best option with Dembele signing a five-year deal according to the Ligue 1 club.

Dembele showed his anger on social media after the initial bid was turned down – and reportedly attended training for just 15 minutes on Friday morning - but will now get his move to Ligue 1 after two-and-a-bit seasons with Celtic, scoring 51 goals in 94 games.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Every decision we make at Celtic will always be in the best interests of the club and our supporters.

“It is vital to make clear that we have never promised any player that he can leave the club at a particular time. It has never happened. In fact, we have said all along that we did not wish to sell Moussa, given the circumstances within the transfer window and that is why we rejected a significant offer yesterday.

“Our real focus now turns to Sunday's match and beyond, working with our players here who are committed to doing all they can to ensure another successful season for the club.

“Finally, I would like to thank Moussa for his contribution in our last two seasons and want to wish him well in his new adventure at Lyon.”