Report: Edouard's big agency switch; Celtic star follows Bale and Grealish footsteps

By Euan Davidson

January 6, 2021

Celtic talisman Odsonne Edouard always seemed destined for a 2021 move.

According to Football Insider, the Frenchman has changed agencies, meaning that he’s actively searching for a bigger club. If that’s the case, it’ll be a huge blow to Celtic supporters.

Edouard hasn’t been his usual self this season, but that’s down to significant mitigating circumstances. Not only has his future been the subject of constant speculation, he also contracted Covid-19 in October (BBC).

He does, however, realise that his future could well be at one of Europe’s elite clubs. If Football Insider’s info is correct, he’s joined a big-name agency in Stellar Group.

The company was sold by Jonathan Barnett to Holywood agency ICM for an undisclosed fee (Financial Times). They represent the likes of Gareth Bale, Jack Grealish and Jordan Pickford respectively.

It was Stellar who negotiated Bale’s £85m move to Real Madrid in 2013 (BBC).

Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard battling against Dundee United / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Stellar’s reputation and Odsonne Edouard seem like a good match

With Stellar’s reputation in representing gems from British football, they seem like a good match for Edouard. If it is the case that Eddy has signed for them, he joins hundreds of top clients from across sport.

According to the Athletic, Stellar’s sale to ICM means:

“Depending on how the relationship develops, we could see Stellar’s footballing clients in movies and on TV shows, sports films, actors wearing football shirts on the red carpet and cross-promotion on social media platforms like Instagram.”

We have no idea what Edouard’s media aspirations are. However, we can envision a Buddy Cop film with Jack Grealish hitting the box office in years to come.

The deal for the Celtic striker hasn’t been confirmed elsewhere just yet. The French forward has hit the net 72 times for Celtic in 151 games (Transfermarkt).

Also, Edouard has turned heads on the international stage. With the France U-21s, Edouard has repeatedly scored vital goals (Glasgow Evening Times).

It’s no wonder Celtic will field bids for him. However, the club are steadfast in their £30m+ valuation of the striker (Scottish Sun). This reported agency move suggests that only clubs with considerable resources need bother.