Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard looks set to be unavailable for the Hoops’ opening Champions League qualifying round.
The Lowdown: Edouard wants out
The French forward is approaching the final 12 months of his Hoops deal, with speculation regarding his future rife.
Reports have suggested that Edouard wants to quit the club in the summer, regardless of who comes in to replace Neil Lennon. He’s netted 21 goals for the club this season, taking his total Celtic tally to 82.
The likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Leicester City and Liverpool have all been linked with the 23-year-old in recent months, and it could make sense to cash in on the forward early in the summer window going off the latest update.
The Latest: Olympics update
According to The Scottish Sun, Edouard will be included in Sylvain Ripoll’s squad for the Olympic Games this summer.
He’s reportedly been assured a place in the national squad for the Tokyo Games, which could see the forward miss a number of European ties for the Hoops in July and August.
The report adds that Celtic prefer to keep their main assets until after European qualifiers - a fair plan given the financial need to make it to the group stages.
However, perhaps that shouldn’t be the case this time around.
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The Verdict: McKay to look for a quick summer exit?
In our opinion, new Celtic CEO Dominic McKay should look to move Edouard on as soon as possible during the upcoming transfer window.
He doesn’t appear to have a shortage of suitors, and with the forward seemingly now no use to the Hoops for some crucial ties in July, it could make sense to cash in during June.
Securing some cash for the forward could then be used to reinvest into new additions under Lennon’s successor ahead of a fresh slate for the 2021/22 season, perhaps even getting those new signings bedded in before the qualifiers begin.
There is also the obvious risk that he could get injured during the Olympics if they do not cash in beforehand, which would be a disaster if it forces bidding teams to simply wait until his contract expires and sign him for free.
Edouard, Celtic's record signing, has been a top performer for the Hoops during his Parkhead stay, however, with the player wanting out, the club need to make the best decision for themselves.
In other news: Frank McAvennie drops Celtic manager announcement claim, find out more here.