Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers revealed Paris Saint-Germain striker Odsonne Edouard could be joining on a permanent deal this summer, with the Scottish Premiership champions having first refusal on the 20-year-old.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic have reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Edouard for good at the end of the season but they’re yet to agree on his asking price.
Rodgers said:
“We have to respect he’s a PSG player, not a Celtic player.
“There is a clause in the deal. The clause is there and there’s been an agreement – but we would need to trigger the fee.
“There’s a lot to do in terms of the bigger picture too. In time we’ll see. He’s a fantastic player and we’ll see between now and the end of the season.”
The French u19 international joined the Hoops on a season long-loan from parent club PSG last summer.
He’s scored and created seven goals in 10 league starts, scoring on his debut in a 4-1 away win at Hamilton Academical and grabbing the winner in a 3-2 victory over Rangers.
Edouard endured a troubled loan spell at French side Toulouse last season, where he was suspended for four months and fined €6,000 for an incident involving teammate Mathieu Cafaro, but the striker has put it behind him in the best way.
His series of impressive displays have led to rumours that hat the highly-rated forward could stick around for the foreseeable future, provided Rodgers meets PSG’s asking price and agrees personal terms.
The 20-year-old has a good reputation on the international stage too after playing a starring role for France at the u17 European Championships in Bulgaria.
He scored a hat-trick in the final against Germany and finished as the top scorer (8 goals) and most valuable player of the tournament.
While often used as a third striker behind Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths in the pecking order, he’s chipped in with goals when called upon.
Edouard is known for his finishing, speed, positioning, accuracy, movement, excellent heading abilities and intelligence on the ball.
He could prove to be a bargain for Celtic if he can remain consistent.