IN THE world of football, where transfers can often be as dramatic and unpredictable as the game itself, few stories have captured the imagination of fans as much as the potential return of Odsonne Edouard to Celtic.
The French striker, who was once a key figure in Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football, is now reportedly on the radar of the Scottish champions for a sensational return. Edouard, currently plying his trade with Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, is rumored to be of great interest to Celtic as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
Reports of Celtic’s interest in bringing Edouard back to Glasgow have sparked excitement among the club’s supporters and, more so, lovers of sports betting. They’d be hoping to take advantage of these new betting sites, curated by Pavel Haba, which offer mouth-watering bonuses as Edouard’s return looks to solidify further Celtic’s 1 in-2 odds of winning the championship, if that’s even possible.
Odsonne Edouard first arrived at Celtic on loan from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 before moving permanently in 2018 for a then club-record fee of £9 million. His impact at Celtic Park was immediate and profound. Edouard quickly established himself as a fan favorite with his clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to score in crucial moments. His time at Celtic was marked by a string of trophies, including three consecutive Scottish Premiership titles, and he played a pivotal role in Celtic’s famous “Quadruple Treble” success.
During his four-year spell in Glasgow, Edouard became the focal point of Celtic’s attack, netting 86 goals in 179 appearances. His performances in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions did not go unnoticed, and it was only a matter of time before clubs from Europe’s top leagues came calling.
In the summer of 2021, Edouard leaped to the English Premier League, signing for Crystal Palace in a deal worth around £14 million. The move was seen as a significant step up for the Frenchman, as he sought to test himself in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
However, despite flashes of brilliance, Edouard’s time at Crystal Palace has been somewhat mixed. While he has shown his quality on several occasions, he has also struggled with consistency and has faced stiff competition for a starting place in the team.
The potential reunion is seen as a move that could significantly strengthen Celtic’s squad as they look to maintain their dominance in Scottish football and make an impact in Europe. With current strikers Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah leading the line, Edouard’s return would add further depth and quality to the Hoops’ attacking options.
One of the key factors driving Celtic’s interest is the familiarity between Edouard and the club. The 26-year-old striker enjoyed the best years of his career at Celtic Park, and a return to a club where the fans already adore him could be the perfect environment for him to rediscover his best form. Moreover, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who was instrumental in bringing Edouard to the club during his first spell in charge, is reportedly keen on reuniting with the player he once described as a natural goalscorer.
While the prospect of Edouard’s return is tantalising, several factors could complicate the deal. Firstly, the financial aspect of the transfer could prove to be a stumbling block. Crystal Palace paid a significant fee to acquire Edouard, and they would likely want to recoup a large portion of that investment if they were to sell him. Celtic, known for its prudent financial management, may need to negotiate a deal that fits within its budget.
Additionally, Edouard’s wage demands could be another hurdle. The striker is likely earning a substantial salary at Crystal Palace, and a move back to the Scottish Premiership would almost certainly require a pay cut.
Should the transfer materialise, Edouard’s return to Celtic would be a major coup for the club. His experience, goal-scoring ability, and familiarity with the Scottish game would make him an invaluable asset as Celtic look to continue their domestic success and push for greater achievements in European competitions.
For Edouard, a return to Celtic could offer the chance to reignite his career. The Frenchman would return to a club where he is highly regarded and where he has previously thrived. Playing regular football in a team built around his strengths could help Edouard regain the form that made him one of the most feared strikers in Scottish football.
The possibility of Odsonne Edouard returning to Celtic has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. This is a story that will undoubtedly continue to develop, with the prospect of a stunning reunion between Celtic and one of their former stars hanging tantalisingly in the balance.