According to a recent report by Football Insider, former Rangers and Scotland defender Alan Hutton has claimed that Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard could be tempted to wait until the summer, before deciding on his future at the club.
The report suggests that the Hoops have offered the 22-year-old a fairly lucrative contract proposal in a deal that would see him commit to the Scottish club, and which makes the striker one of their highest earners. It has been suggested that his suitors have already begun making ‘concrete steps’ in an attempt to sign the Frenchman in the summer.
Hutton, speaking about the striker’s current situation, said, “I think he’s waiting until the summer, he won’t sign anything, he’ll wait till the summer, what offers come in, what moves are there and then take it from there. I think a lot of the cards, he’s holding at the moment. He’s in a good position. If you want to go try the Premier League, why would you sign a new five-year deal, tie yourself down and then can’t get a move because Celtic can then ask for whatever they want?”
Has Odsonne Edouard Done Enough To Earn A Move To The Premier League?
The 22-year-old French striker has been one of the highlights of this Celtic team over the past couple of seasons after he was signed permanently from PSG back in the summer of 2018. The forward’s goalscoring record is commendable, to say the least, while his ability to adapt to the situation at hand will come as a massive boost to any suitors as well. Edouard has a keen eye for a pass, despite being one of the best finishers among all the British leagues.
Having initially arrived from the Ligue 1 on loan, the Frenchman went on to pick up six goals and two assists in his first season at the club, after which he was snapped up on a permanent deal. Since that switch, it’s safe to say that Edouard has gone from strength to strength. Despite scoring 14 goals from 28 league fixtures last time around, the French striker has completely shattered his own record in the Premiership this season. The 22-year-old’s 27 league outings have yielded an extraordinary 21 goals and 12 assists, meaning that the former PSG man has averaged a telling contribution every game.
The Frenchman’s instinct in front of goal is arguably what set him apart from the rest as he seems to have an uncanny ability to finish off even the most difficult of chances. Edouard is a willing runner on or off the ball, while he tends to time his runs into space with impeccable perfection. Despite being just 22, Edouard boasts excellent physical strength as well as fitness, meaning that he could be reasonably well suited to a Premier League move.
Why Celtic Can’t Afford To Let Edouard Leave
Celtic have two other realistic options for the striker’s role that Neil Lennon can choose from, but the fact remains that replacing a player of Edouard’s quality and stature will not be an easy task. It’s not surprising that clubs from the Premier League have registered an interest, especially considering the scoring rate that he’s displayed this season. The Celts have been the dominant force in Scottish football for quite a while now, but Edouard’s departure would be the opportunity that Rangers look to take advantage of.
Keeping him in Glasgow should be Lennon’s main priority for the summer, and the longer contract they can get him to sign, the better the outcome of this whole situation.
