Sebastian Tounekti was dissatisfied however not deterred by Celtic’s shock Champions League exit earlier than the Hoops’ summer-long curiosity in him finally resulted in 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 charge of £5.2m.
Earlier than that, nonetheless, Celtic had been crushed within the Champions League play-off by Kazakhstan aspect Kairat Almaty on a penalty shoot-out after two goalless video games.
Tounekti made a formidable debut within the 2-1 win in opposition to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, when half of the travelling assist opted to boycott the opening 12 minutes in protest on the membership’s board following a perceived underwhelming switch window.
Afterwards, Rodgers stated: “You look at Sebastian today, if we have him in when I wanted to have him in, then it can be a different sport for us.”
Sebastian Tounekti has signed a five-year deal at Celtic
Talking at Celtic Park, Tounekti stated: “I heard in regards to the curiosity via the summer time, and naturally, I watched the Champions League video games and all of us wished to undergo into the Champions League.
“However everyone knows that in soccer, it is by no means straightforward, 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 properly.
“As I said, of course you wanted the team to go through, but the reality is that we’re going to play in the Europa League and we’re going to do everything we can to have a good campaign.
“Once I heard about Celtic, I advised my agent and everybody round me that it was my solely alternative 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 in opposition to Kilmarnock after a VAR test was ‘so harsh’, with Celtic occurring to win the sport from the ensuing spot-kick
“Celtic is a massive club, with lots of history, that win titles.
“So for a participant of my age, it’s the greatest steps that I might have made. And I do know the taking part in model ought to match me properly.
“So it was a really easy choice to come here and of course, everything around the club, the fans and the amazing stadiums and to play Europa League football, it was a fit.
“I wish to play for Celtic for a very long time. Hopefully we will win many trophies collectively and I see myself being right here for a few years.”
Tounekti had to undergo a “fairly hectic” and stressful transfer deadline day before his move to Glasgow was sealed.
The former Tromsdalen, Bodo/Glimt, Haugesund and Ranheim attacker said: “The window was closing on Monday night.
Match winner Kelechi Iheanacho additionally made his Celtic debut at Rugby Park
“So we had to get everything through, medical and paperwork, but all honour to Celtic and Hammarby, they managed it and it went pretty fast on Monday.
“It was slightly little bit of a tense day, however I am simply comfortable to be right here.
“I knew that Hammarby didn’t want to sell me. They were fighting for a Europa place and I was maybe one of the main men there.
“I had a great discuss with Hammarby and I advised him about my ambitions and I advised him that that is one thing I wished actually dangerous and all respect to Hammarby. I am simply comfortable that we might discover a answer for everybody.”
