Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard has kept his place with France U21s despite eight changes being made for the Euros at the end of the month.
France qualified for the U21 Euro tournament which kicked off back in March. The group stages were held two months ago, with Edouard managing to net against Russia and Iceland en route to qualification for this summer’s knockout phase.
However, despite as many as eight players dropping out of the squad between then and now, Edouard has managed to keep his spot. UEFA have today confirmed all of the squads taking part this summer. Edouard looks primed to be front and centre for the France side when they face the Netherlands in six days’ time.
France could only be involved in one game if things go disastrously. From here on out, the U21 Euros is a straight knockout format. If France don’t win next Monday, Edouard will be quickly back at Parkhead ahead of a busy summer.
Alternatively, France could play as many as three matches should they go all the way. Edouard’s side is one of the firm favourites for the competition, and will face either Denmark or Germany in the semis should they progress.
Odsonne Edouard could increase his value with France u21s over the next fortnight
Celtic will undoubtedly have a close eye on this. If Edouard can play a starring role for his country, then it will help drive up his valuation ahead of the summer. His two goals in the group stages may not have done much for him, but that won’t be the same if he shines in the finals.
There will be plenty of scouts tuning into the competition between May 31st and June 6th. Edouard’s future at Celtic looks sealed given he’s into the final year of his contract and we need to get some money in for him.
In addition to that, PSG’s sell-on fee makes a bigger transfer all the better for us. There are reports that the Ligue 1 side could have as much as a 50% sell-on clause in the deal [Daily Record]. It’s difficult to see Celtic doing business like that, but it could still be the case.
If he proves himself to be the star of the tournament, it will lead to greater interest this summer. That will have a ripple effect that will allow us to sell for higher too. That will be all Celtic are concerned about when the competition kicks off.
It couldn’t be happening at a better time either. With the tournament taking place right before the opening of the transfer window, it’s Edouard’s chance to put himself right at the front of club’s thoughts for the summer. That would undoubtedly suit all parties.
With 17 goals in 13 appearances for the u21s, it’s clear there’s a good chance of this happening.
In other news, Celtic’s transfer work appears to be continuing after the reported Joey Dawson news.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
