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Town Target Celina Return
Friday, 2nd Jul 2021 22:10

TWTD understands the Blues are targeting the return to Portman Road of former loanee Bersant Celina.

The 24-year-old is currently with French side Dijon, who were relegated from Ligue 1 in 2020/21 after finishing bottom of the table.

Celina spent 2017/18 on loan with the Blues from Manchester City, making 26 starts and 12 sub appearances, scoring eight times, in a successful spell under Mick McCarthy’s management.

Now, we understand Town are making an attempt to lure Celina back to Portman Road ahead of the 2021/22 campaign although with other clubs also showing interest.

Persuading the Kosovo international to make a move into League One would be a big coup for the Blues but is illustrative of the ambition of the club under the new ownership and manager Paul Cook.

Celina moved to Norway with his family aged two and was a youth player with Strømsgodset before joining Manchester City’s academy in 2012.

In 2016/17 he joined FC Twente in the Netherlands on loan, then moved to Town on the same basis the following season.

Celina left City for Swansea in the summer of 2018 for £3 million - having made one senior start and three sub appearances for the Citizens - and went on to make 65 starts and 14 sub appearances for the Swans, scoring 10 times, before being sold to Dijon for a reported £2.7 million in September 2020, signing a four-year contract.

During 2020/21, 5ft 11in tall Celina made 26 starts and seven sub appearances in all competitions for Dijon without finding the net.

Capped by Norway at U16, U17 and U21 levels, Celina subsequently switched allegiance to his native Kosovo for whom he has played U21 and senior games. He has now taken his full caps total to 29, scoring twice.

Meanwhile, former Blues forward Martyn Waghorn has joined Championship Coventry City following his release by Derby County. The 31-year-old has signed a two-year deal.


Photo: Action Images



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spanishblue added 23:38 - Jul 2
We haven't got time to scout about at the minute we need proven quality now, he must fit that bracket surely they must think there's chance,where on earth did this come from
0

itfchorry added 23:47 - Jul 2
Hello !

💙🚜💙
1

wkj added 23:52 - Jul 2
This time hoping he'd be better utilized too!
0

ITFC_95 added 23:52 - Jul 2
Struggling to see how anyone could question whether he'd be good enough. He was our best player in a mid table championship team. However, I also struggle to see how we could pull it off
3

Ryorry added 23:53 - Jul 2
Wow!!!!!!! I'd love it, just love it - and even if it doesn't happen, I love the fact that we're even trying to get him!
7

NorfolknWay added 00:55 - Jul 3
I'd love to see this. An attacking midfielder like Celina is something I think we've been missing.

I notice Sapreet Singh is looking for a loan too. Not in the same class as Celina, but very good nonetheless.

I love we're looking at players who the fans are excited to watch, as well as the hard workers.
2

ipswich134 added 01:24 - Jul 3
I just hope it is true but might face many challenges ! We can only pray !
1

danchances22 added 05:06 - Jul 3
Saw him in vodka revs once in town and he said he can't wait to go back to Man City as he hates being an Ipswich.


No from me!
-6

Oldboy added 05:33 - Jul 3
This would be a massive signing. Fantastic player, especially in L1. It's a big YES from me.
3

SpiritOfJohn added 06:25 - Jul 3
YES PLEASE! This could be the gamechanger we have been waiting for.
2

Bazza8564 added 08:06 - Jul 3
Articles that start “TWTD understands” are always on the money. Articles that start “it's been reported” tend to be column inches from papers that are pure speculation.

On the basis this starts with the former, I'm convinced this might well be the big one that's been tipped to be coming this week.

Great news if so…..
4

dirtydingusmagee added 08:13 - Jul 3
whilst i believe it would be a big signing i do tend to feel same as blueboy, in that more often than not returning players often dont meet expectations, So not getting over excited, but the'' proof of the pudding ''as they say, we may get lucky, worth a gamble.
0

Tractorboy58 added 08:28 - Jul 3
yes please
1

ringwoodblue added 08:46 - Jul 3
Celina is probably one of the best players to wear a town shirt in the last few years so it would be awesome to get him back but I'm realistic about the chances of it happening
1

Dissboyitfc added 08:48 - Jul 3
what a great story to be reading over my fry up, would love this to happen! now theres a player to get you out of your seat!
0

buzbyblue added 08:54 - Jul 3
I can't believe he's still only 24! Would love to see this happen - one of the best loans we have had along with Sixto & Gio
0

Dissboyitfc added 09:00 - Jul 3
Cant believe some of the negativity and rubbish i am reading from some posters, unbelievable, whilst i dont advocate going over board, we have been disappointed so many times from false dawns in the past, i get that but if you cant enjoy this without being so negative may i suggest you go do something else!

Muted enthusiasm is one thing but total negativity and claiming to be a realist is wrong in my opinion!
3

leftie1972 added 09:04 - Jul 3
Hell yes!
0

dyersdream added 09:39 - Jul 3
We can afford the fee and his wages only problem is ffp rules !
1

dirtydingusmagee added 09:43 - Jul 3
undoubtedly he is a higher class of player than we have had recently, just think you have to resist getting carried away , and its only talk at the moment anyway.Anyone who has supported a club for a long time will have seen players return ,hyped up, then been disappointed.But its worth the gamble imo.Thats all, not being negative .
2

Linkboy13 added 10:32 - Jul 3
Would stand out like a sore thumb in league one with his ability. Wouldn't have thought he was Cook's type of player. But if he's coming here for the right reasons and we are not splashing out ridiculous amounts of money can't see no problems. Be very surprised if this did happen but commercially could be good as well as on the pitch.
0

gosblue added 10:46 - Jul 3
It'd be worth getting him in just for the extra season ticket and shirt sales he could generate. More money to spend on wages. He was great to watch even when MM tried to shackle him.
1

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 10:46 - Jul 3
Sorry to be cautious, but I wouldn't get too excited just yet. He will almost certainly have other and probably better offers. But if it comes off - great!
0

jas1972 added 10:58 - Jul 3
Would be good if it happened. @blueboy1981 - John Wark would certainly disagree with you on returning players; he came back twice and was a clear success in all three spells with the club. That's how he got to be GOAT
1

Marinersnose added 10:59 - Jul 3
Get him and Connelly and I would be impressed. Get it done.
0


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