Another Premier League club join the hunt for Celtic star Odsonne Edouard

By Euan Davidson

May 14, 2021

Southampton have joined the chase for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

According to the Sun, Southampton are “anxious” to add to their attacking options. They see the Celtic forward, almost on the last year of his contract, as another shrewd investment. French Eddy, despite a difficult season, has managed 22 goals across all competitions [Transfermarkt], as well as starring for France U21s.

In years prior, the Saints signed Virgil van Dijk for £13m [BBC], Victor Wanyama [Guardian] and Fraser Forster for £10m [Guardian]. They also snared Stuart Armstrong in 2018 [Southampton FC]. If anything, it was a surprise not to hear of the Premier League side’s interest in one of our stars from the last few seasons.

The Sun suggest that Southampton are “outsiders”, with Arsenal, Roma and others keen on Edouard’s services. While he’s received immense criticism this season, Edouard has still shown his qualities in a season ravaged by injury, Covid-19 and intense speculation about his future.

With his icy cool demeanour often being mistaken for apathy, it’s been hard for Edouard to keep up his hitherto cordial relationship with supporters. Undoubtedly, the French star will move on this summer.

Van Dijk signed for Southampton / (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

How much can Celtic get for Odsonne Edouard?

The news of another club being interested is only good for Celtic. Ideally, we wouldn’t have to sell him at all. In reality, though, the more clubs that are ready to bid, the better price we’ll inevitably get for him.

While it won’t be anything near the £35m that had been mooted earlier this season [Express], the idea of Celtic nabbing £20m+ for our prize asset is a likely one. Even with just one year left on his contract, the level of interest, and Celtic’s need to raise funds for a rebuild, suggest that Eddy won’t go cheap.

If anything, Southampton got away with ripping us off for Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama. Both were sold on, to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

Truly, the side need goals. Their top scorer this season is Danny Ings, with just 12 strikes. Their fourth is another former Celtic man, Stuart Armstrong.

Expect Celtic to add a significant sell-on clause to any deal.

Southampton, for their part, don’t seem like the front-runners here. Of course, regular game-time will be important to the striker. Surely, though, a level of prestige, which includes European football, is also a big factor.

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