Southampton boss admits striker desperation amidst rumours over Celtic man Odsonne Edouard

By Euan Davidson

August 7, 2021

If Celtic star Odsonne Edouard does end up at Southampton, boss Ralph Hassenhuttl will cut a very relieved figure.

After the Saints lost Danny Ings to Aston Villa this week [BBC], the south coast side have been left short for numbers. Albeit, they have an unexpected £30m windfall to play with.

Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard has been heavily linked with the side, who also signed Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk and Stuart Armstrong from the Bhoys in years past. Reports this morning emerged, suggesting the Celtic striker would need to lower his wage demands.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Hassenhuttl said:

“I think we know that we have lost a very important striker in Danny Ings and to replace him, sure, we know that we have to do something.

“We definitely need someone.”

That someone could well be Edouard. However, the Daily Echo also report that Blackburn marksman Adam Armstrong, Leipzig’s Alexander Sorloth and Chelsea academy product Tammy Abraham could also suit Hassenhuttl.

Nonetheless, links with Edouard persist. After years of pillaging from Celtic in the summer window, it seems the Saints could continue what’s been a successful habit.

For Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, Southampton is probably the better choice

It’s not as if going from Celtic to Southampton is a guaranteed route to success. However, it’s not not that, either.

Fraser Forster became an England goalkeeper. Virgil van Dijk’s reputation speaks for itself, while Tottenham pounced for Wanyama not long after he arrived in England.

Stuart Armstrong has become a Premier League regular in his own right. So, for Odsonne Edouard, Southampton is probably a good choice. Provided, that is, his personal terms don’t scare them off.

Brighton also remain interested. According to the Daily Mail, the Seagulls have launched a bid and want the transfer done ASAP. Having been linked to clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Real Madrid in the past, it might not be the blockbuster move Edouard was hoping for.

However, if there’s a tried and tested route to stardom, it’s – for whatever reason – being coached at Southampton. From Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale to Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane, they seem to know what they’re doing.

They’ve got Mohamed Elyounoussi, too. That’ll surely help.

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