In a recent interview (via The Daily Express), Celtic head coach Neil Lennon revealed that he would love to tie down his star striker Odsonne Edouard to a new long-term contract. The Hoops head coach was full of praise for the talented goal-getter and said (via The Daily Express), “If there’s something in the offing then brilliant.
“I’d love to give him a new deal – I’d give him a five-year deal tomorrow.
“Odsonne’s improving all the time. He’s a talismanic player for us and has been absolutely magnificent this season.
“But I think there’s more to come from him. I hope he’s doing that here with us.
“I think there’s improvement in him, he can get better.
“But he is already a highly talented player.
“Would I advise him to stay? Why not? I’ll do all I can to keep him.
“But I don’t know what’s out there for him. I’m sure there are plenty of suitors, so it won’t be down to my decision.
“We’ll wait and see. He’s not the type to be banging down your door. He seems quite happy. He is laid-back. He’s got 27 goals already this season and I think he can get to 30 comfortably and that would be a wonderful season for him.
“But it’s not just his goals – his all-round game has been absolutely superb.”
Edouard’s Spectacular Goal-Scoring Record At Celtic Park This Season
The French striker has been in fine form for the Hoops this season after carrying most of his team’s goal-scoring workload up top. With 21 league goals to his name, he is currently leading the race to win the golden boot in the Scottish Premiership by a country mile. Edouard has registered 26 goals and 17 assists in 43 matches for Lennon’s side this term across all competitions. The stats prove that the ex-Paris Saint-Germain striker is not only a consistent goal-getter but also adds a lot of creativity to the Celtic frontline.
The 22-year-old has also formed a productive striking partnership with Leigh Griffiths in recent weeks. However, he will be disappointed after his team was dumped out of the UEFA Europa League as they suffered a 4-2 aggregate loss at the hands of FC København. Despite that setback, Edouard has still averaged 3.3 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game in Europe this season (stats via whoscored) and that proves that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Why The Hoops Need To Tie Edouard Down To Fresh Long-Term Contract
Edouard’s current contract at Parkhead is set to run out in 2022, so the Hoops could be under pressure to sell him this summer so that his price-tag doesn’t drop next year when he would have just a year left on his deal. Therefore, Lennon would be wise to tie the French striker up to a new contract before big clubs like Manchester United have a chance to pounce on him in the off-season.
The Kourou-born talent has become a real fan-favourite at Celtic Park. He possesses the pace, skills and finishing ability to dominate Scottish football for years to come. Hence, Lennon would wise to act on his words by offering the French marksman a new long-term deal in the future.
Edouard’s long commitment will also hand Celtic the leverage to command a much higher fee if they decide to part ways with the talented forward someday.
