Reporter: Crystal Palace are "most likely destination" for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard

By Euan Davidson

August 21, 2021

Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor has stated that Crystal Palace remain the “most likely destination” for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

Despite his goal-scoring heroics over recent years, the big-money move expected for the Bhoys forward hasn’t been forthcoming. Ange Postecoglou admitted there was a contingency plan for his departure four weeks ago.

Edouard was linked to everyone from Arsenal and AC Milan last year. His most promising negotiations were with Leicester City, according to reports, but a Brendan Rodgers reunion never materialised [Daily Record].

The Premier League remains the most likely landing spot for Edouard, though, with Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace. Taylor, of the Daily Express, tweeted:

Palace have had a busy summer window, but are yet to bring in a top striker. So far, Vieira has landed Marc Guehi from Chelsea, Joachim Andersen from Olympique Lyon and promising ex-Reading talent Michael Olise [Transfermarkt].

They’ve also shed some of their bigger contracts, including Andros Townsend, Mamadou Sakho and Gary Cahill. And, of course, James McCarthy joined Celtic.

That should free up the resources to sign Odsonne Edouard, but the Frenchman is clearly not rushing into a move.

Crystal Palace being in for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard makes sense, but would he fancy it?

Yes, obviously Crystal Palace have some allure. They’re a Premier League club, they’ve got a World Cup winner as manager, and one of the best atmospheres in the Premier League.

From a footballing perspective, it’s likely to be a hard sell for Edouard, though. At Celtic, the striker can get far more chances; he averaged 3.5 shots per game in the league last season [WhoScored?].

For comparison, granted it’s not an exact science, Christian Benteke managed 2.4 shots on goal for the Eagles last season [WhoScored?].

Whether Edouard would get the necessary service in Croydon seems doubtful. Granted, he’s never been shy of coming deep and starting moves by himself, despite accusations of being lazy by some pundits.

At the moment, it doesn’t look too certain for Edouard. He’s never agitated for a move – and that needs remembering – and while he changed his agent in 20-21, it doesn’t seem as if he’s throwing his weight about, or forcing anything.

We could well see him remain at Celtic until next summer. Stranger things have happened.

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