Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli will return to Parkhead this summer after Istanbul Basaksehir confirmed that they will not be taken up their option to buy the Belgian.
The 25-year-old moved to Turkey on loan in September following the controversy over an undisclosed trip to Spain, which led to him being handed a substantial fine by the club and a five-game ban by the SFA.
Bolingoli had also struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular during his time with the Hoops and fans on Twitter have been discussing what the future holds for the fullback:
Should just release him and be done with it.
— ryan1mcq ?????????????????? (@ryan1mcq) June 16, 2021
He’ll be like a new signing. (Copyright M Hateley).
— LawrieBhoyBolingoli ☘??????? (@Lorbobo1) June 16, 2021
Want him Boligone… he has no respect for the club.
— ??steve murray?? (@sdceltic1) June 16, 2021
At this moment in time who are we to turn away a decent player?
Reaction at the time was correct imo but when compared to what came after it was way over the top.
Get him in ? pic.twitter.com/WvLaQk3zqe
— AngelosPostecoglou? (@BairdandHardie) June 16, 2021
Tell them we don't want any money for him, he's free.
— Baz (@Badger2101) June 16, 2021
I’d play wing back, pushing on all the time. Lost his way like everyone else under bad management. Maybe big ange will get him playing
— Jk☘️ (@johnkchicago) June 16, 2021
Previous manager Neil Lennon said it would be “very difficult” for Bolingoli to return to the dressing room, but under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, there is a possibility that the defender will be given another chance.
A lot will probably depend on what sort of offers Celtic receive from other clubs for the player. While he did only play 18 matches for Istanbul, it must be pointed out his time with the Super Lig side was hampered by a knee injury, so another team may well consider taking a gamble on him.