As reports come in about a potential new deal for Celtic’s star man, the Hoops must avoid resorting to Charlie Nicholas’ Odsonne Edouard advice.
The Daily Record yesterday stated that the Hoops were looking to extend Edouard’s contract. The club are reportedly looking to offer him a lucrative new deal to entice him to stay at Parkhead for another season.
Neil Lennon, meanwhile, was quick to cool any talk of a potential agreement. He stated that despite wanting to tie Edouard down, there was nothing to report from Celtic’s side (Superscoreboard).
However, with the Record also stating that no agreement is imminent, it’s important we don’t resort to following Charlie Nicholas’ advice on Edouard.
Nicholas stated in a Daily Express column last month (print edition, 11/02, Page 55), that Celtic should simply give him a pay-rise with no benefits to the club in a bid to motivate him.
“If I was Celtic I would be looking to add to that feel-good factor by giving him a new contract. Reward him for what he is doing. You don’t even have to extend the length of his contract but put him up there as the top earner.
“Why not? It is not going to kill Celtic.”
Celtic thankfully look like avoiding that route
Judging by the Record’s report, it thankfully appears as though Celtic won’t be taking that option. No wonder either.
There was absolutely no benefit to the club. Giving Edouard a new deal and bumping up his wages just in the hope that he performs even better? That’s totally illogical. Especially when the Frenchman is already performing to a top level.
At the end of the day, Edouard’s reward for what he’s doing for the club is the meaty wage he’ll already be on. If he’s to get a bumper offer to replace it, then there has to be some security and incentive for the club. It’s a positive to see that Celtic look to be taking that action.
That’s not to say that Edouard doesn’t deserve a pay rise. He does, but it makes no business sense from the club to pay him more money with no further commitment. It’s not as if you give Edouard an extra few grand a week and he suddenly finds some sort of hidden ability that can only be discovered through giving him a more money.
Edouard will get his pay rise when he commits further to the club. That’s how it works. And with negotiations seemingly underway, here’s hoping any new deal has an extension added.
Would there be any benefit to us in giving Odsonne more money for no extension? How far should Celtic go to get this deal done? Let us hear your voice in the discussion forum below.
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