CHRIS SUTTON has told Celtic they can’t sell Odsonne Edouard – because the club’s talisman is PRICELESS.
The flamboyant forward, who netted a hat-trick in the Hoops’ 5-1 Premiership opener against Hamilton Accies at Parkhead last weekend, has been the centre of transfer tales throughout the summer.
Edouard, who cost a club record £9million when he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in June 2018, still has two years to run on his contract and has consistently stated he is happy at Parkhead.
However, the champions realise they will face intense speculation until the UK transfer window closes on October 5.
Until then, the club will focus on taking care of business at home and abroad – with the charismatic frontman leading the charge.
Former Hoops strike ace Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Neil Lennon admitted recently every player has a price. Technically, he’s correct.
“But I’m sorry. When it comes to this season and to Odsonne Edouard, I have to disagree with my old team-mate.
“During this possible 10-in-a-row season, there just isn’t a suitable figure that you can attach to the French striker.
“Quite simply, he is priceless.
NUMBER ONE…Odsonne Edouard scores the first of his threesome against Hamilton Accies on Sunday.
“Before anyone starts, I know the model of the club and what has made them so successful. I know why they are strong financially and have money in the bank because of the strategy of buying potential, developing and selling for a big profit.
“I’m also fully aware that, if you buy players with the promise of selling them on, you have to fulfil that promise and not hang on to them for too long because it will ruin your reputation in that specific market and the chance to attract other stars of the future.
“But, at this precise moment, things are different. This is a one-off year. How many chances does a club get to make history? Not too many, especially the type of history which may never be emulated.
“And I actually imagine that, even though Edouard has no childhood connection to the club or anything like that, he gets it, as well.”
Sutton, now a top media pundit, added: “Now I don’t profess to know the lad, but he comes across quite content at the moment and everyone who speaks about him, including Lennon, suggests he’s enjoying himself and is happy to stay.
If that’s the case, Celtic have no reason to sell him and that goes for ANY figure. It doesn’t matter what gets put on the table whether it is £30million, £40million or £50million.
“Of course, that’s not the way for the club to go long term. Of course, everything should revert back to the successful tried-and-tested strategy once this season is finished, but only after this season.
CHEERS…James Forrest congratulates Odsonne Edouard after the Frenchman completes his trio.
“The Celtic supporters have shown incredible loyalty by buying their season tickets again in their droves, despite the fact they knew they couldn’t get in to see the games at the start of the season and have no definitive answer as to when they will get back in.
“Repaying that loyalty comes in the shape of keeping Edouard until this potentially-historic season is over and making sure he is in the right frame of mind to deliver consistently in the way he did on the opening weekend with his hat-trick against Hamilton.
“Edouard is going to the top. But, for this term, he has to put his future on the backburner and concentrate on the present.”
The former France Under-international will be in action again tomorrow afternoon against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The Frenchman scored four goals in Celtic three wins – all by the same scoreline of 3-1 – as he raced to 28 before the season ended prematurely in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The way he has started, it looks as though he has hit the ground running in the quest for ten.
Sutton clearly hopes Edouard continues to do the business in what could be his au revoir campaign.
