The Odsonne Edouard transfer saga was meant to come to an end at some point this week. Pundits and reporters were all confident that a deal would be done before the weekend and that Celtic would be rolling in £18m. Ok not quite rolling in it after PSG’s cut is taken, but you get the point.
With Brighton, Southampton and Crystal Palace all reportedly interested in the Frenchman, Stephen McGowan from the Daily Mail reports today that the Brighton deal is all but dead and that Edouard seems ‘prepared’ to let his contract run down if no move materialises this summer.
This means millions in lost revenue for the Hoops and could ruin any potential moves in the transfer market.
With Celtic being heavily linked to complete the transfer of Thomas Henry in a £7m move, McGowan reports that any future deals may be jeopardised id the 23 year old French u21 striker does not move on.
Edouard has been heavily criticised by some sections, if not all, of the Celtic fan base due to his lack of form and apparent downing of tools since he was denied a move last summer and I for one would be glad to sell him on just to get him out of the club.
Don’t get me wrong. Celtic are a poorer side without him, but as has been proved last season, unhappy players create a festering, unhealthy atmosphere in a dressing room and at a time when Ange Postecoglou is now beginning to see the fruits of his labour, now might be the time to cut ties with Edouard in a cut price deal.
But will Celtic continue to play hardball and risk losing their prized asset for free in January? Time will tell as the clock runs down on this summers transfer window.