Why Celtic should hold onto Odsonne Edouard
According to French publication Le 10 Sport (h/t The Sun), Borussia Dortmund are keeping close tabs on Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard.
The 22-year-old striker has been in sensational form for the Hoops this season with 21 goals and 12 assists to his name from 27 league matches. The French youngster is currently the top-scorer in the Scottish Premiership and is the second-best assist provider in his side behind teammate James Forrest, who has an impressive 17 under his belt.
His impressive form in front of goal has helped Celtic to a 9th successive league title, Betfred Cup win among many others. Edouard has also been excellent for the Hoops in the Europa League, guiding them to the knockout stages so far.
So far, Edouard has scored 27 goals and provided 18 assists from 45 matches across competitions for Celtic, signifying his worth within the current line-up.
Despite his young age, Edouard has established himself as the side’s undisputed first-choice finisher with 60 goals and 31 assists from 126 matches since landing at Parkhead.
Already a winner of two Premiership titles, a Scottish Cup and two Betfred Cups respectively, there is no questioning Edouard’s talent. Edouard proved himself on the biggest stage when he arrived on loan at Celtic in the 2017-2018 season from PSG.
Celtic does not have a good replacement for Edouard
In his maiden season at Celtic Park, Edouard impressed with 11 goals from 29 games that saw him earn a permanent move to Scotland the following summer. Edouard’s finishing skills haven’t gone unnoticed, with the young striker having an admirer in Borussia Dortmund.
However, Celtic must not let Edouard go as it might put them in a spot of bother. They just have seasoned campaigner Leigh Griffiths, winter signing Patryk Klimala and Vakoun Issouf Bayo as a back-up.
Though Griffiths has been impressive, scoring 9 goals in the league this term, he is clearly past his prime and will hit his thirties this August. Klimala and Bayo are yet to impress Lennon. This is evident from the number of matches they have played so far.
The two have together played just 10 Premiership games, meaning they are clearly not Lennon’s favourites at the moment.
Losing Edouard would be a big blow for the Hoops until they find themselves a suitable replacement. Hence, they should ward off any interest from abroad for the French striker and tie him down to the side a little longer.
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Verdict
Despite having three strikers as back-up, Celtic lack someone as talented as Edouard to lead the attack if he chooses to depart. Celtic need to keep him at Parkhead for some more time if they wish to continue their dominance in the league.
