Odsonne Edouard has declared his intentions to stick around for 10-in-a-row but given previous examples of similar claims, only to be let down, Hoops fans can be forgiven for being more than a little suspicious.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League forward, Noel Whelan, believes that the 22-year old should back up his comments by putting pen to paper on a new deal – if he is truly as committed as he says he is, with rumours of a move to Arsenal continuing to persist.
So what has Whelan said?
When asked to reflect on Edouard’s statement after being announced as SFWA Player of the Year, he said:
“I think there’s a question mark right now because of how good he’s been at Celtic – I’m hearing whispers of Arsenal and other teams in the English Premier League being interested.
“There’s always that worry but there’s that worry in the Premier League as well – if you’re doing well there’s always going to be people sniffing about and looking. That’s just part and parcel of a good player and a goal scorer.
“It’s one of those nervy times between now and the start of next season that every fan goes through. If he’s that adamant he wants to be part of that (10 in a row), then there shouldn’t be too many discussions going on, he must have made his decision.
“If it’s coming down to financial, there’s just no way that Celtic can compete with the English top-four, they just can’t.
“If he really wants it and this is what he’s coming out and saying, and he’s not just saying it to pacify and please people, put pen to paper and get it done then.”
So is Whelan correct?
Edouard was never likely to say that he wasn’t going to stick around and with news that he is – at least – talking about a new contract with the club, it is a positive step in the right direction towards fending off interest from down south.
Whelan is right though, although he has two years left to run on his deal, signing an improved contract really would be a signal of intent and would be an indication that he is happy stay and lead the charge going into next season.
Hoops fans have been burnt before though with both Kieran Tierney and Brendan Rodgers indicating that they were at Celtic for the duration only to leave when a decent offer came along, and they will be hoping that Edouard isn’t the latest to join this list – his inclusion in the squad for 2020/21 would be as important as any signing that Neil Lennon could make this summer and pivotal towards their chances of making history this season.