According to a recent report by The Daily Express, Everton are eyeing a summer move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard but will face stiff competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United in pursuit of his signature at the end of this campaign. The same source has mentioned that the Toffees are hoping to bolster their attacking options when the transfer window reopens in the summer and has identified the Scottish Premiership top-scorer as an ideal candidate to lead the charge at Goodison Park next season.
Edouard’s Excellent Form In A Celtic Shirt This Season
The French striker holds an impressive goal-scoring record for the Parkhead outfit this season after netting 25 goals in 41 appearances for them thus far. He has won a lot of matches for Neil Lennon’s side during this campaign which has put them in pole position to secure another league title.
Edouard has also justified his worth as a playmaker after picking up 17 assists for Celtic this term on all fronts. His creativity and goal-threat have made him an invaluable member of Lennon’s first-team, so it would take a monumental effort by Everton to orchestrate a deal to bring the talented marksman to Merseyside in this off-season.
The 22-year-old has also proven his value in European football after averaging 3.0 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game in the UEFA Europa League this season (stats via whoscored). All of Edouard’s numbers have been promising at Celtic Park this season, which explains why so many top Premier League clubs are looking to land him next summer.
What Will The French Forward Add To Ancelotti’s Team?
Edouard has been Celtic’s main goal threat for the past couple of seasons. He has decent pace in his locker that allows him to make some powerful runs with the ball in the attacking third of the field. The French centre-forward has transformed himself into a lethal finisher at Parkhead and has also shown a lot of maturity to set-up 17 goals for his side this season. He boasts incredible upper body strength and can be a dominant presence in the air as he can overpower the opposition by winning his fair share of aerial duels up top.
A striker of Edouard’s skillset will add some much-needed quality to the Everton frontline if Carlo Ancelotti can figure out a way to lure him to Merseyside. At 22, he has already won a lot of major trophies for both his club and country. The French sensation will not only add a lot of goals and assist to the Toffees first-team but will also bring a winning mentality to the Everton dressing room.
Should The Toffees Orchestrate A Move For Edouard?
Edouard could also form a dream striking partnership with Richarlison at Goodison Park which will be a mouth-watering prospect for anyone associated with the Merseyside club. The Celtic goal-getter could resolve most of Ancelotti’s attacking concerns from this campaign. Only Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have managed to impress in patches during this season. On the other hand, Moise Kean and Cenk Tosun can both be labelled as ‘flops’ following their barren run in front of goal.
Edouard’s acquisition is more of a necessity than a luxury for the Toffees, so it makes a lot of sense for Ancelotti to splash the cash on him ahead of the new season.
