Neil Lennon drops hint about Odsonne Edouard’s Celtic future

Neil Lennon has provided some huge news regarding Odsonne Edouard’s Parkhead future as rumours continue to swirl about a Celtic exit in the summer.

The fact of the matter is that players with the quality of Odsonne Edouard will always be linked with a move away from Parkhead. There is no denying the fact that Celtic are very much a selling club these days, who are forced to let their best players leave when European giants come calling with their riches. Last season we lost Kieran Tierney to Arsenal and the Frenchman appears to be the next big money exit.

Celtic fans will be hoping thought that the chance to make history by winning the club a historical tenth straight league title next season will convince Edouard into staying. And interestingly, the striker has never mentioned a desire to leave Parkhead despite being linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United. Thus, there is still hope that he will be staying on.

Nobody would be hoping that Edouard ends up staying more than Neil Lennon. The Frenchman is a huge part of the manager’s Celtic setup and losing him will be a huge loss to the club’s 10IAR hopes next season. After all, he scored 27 goals and provided 19 assists in his 45 appearances last season. It goes without saying that it will be quite a task to replace a player of that level.

Thankfully, Lennon has hinted at Edouard staying on for 10IAR. As reported by GOAL, the Celtic boss said:

"“There are discussions at the minute with his [Edouard’s] representatives.“Ultimately he’s a player we want around. He’s a fantastic player. He’s really blossomed over the last couple of seasons.“He had a magnificent season this year and we want to keep him. It’s as simple as that. We’re doing everything we can to keep him here for at least another season anyway.“I think he is [happy]. I think he’s got a fantastic relationship certainly with me and my backroom team and his team-mates.“You can see how much the supporters appreciate him as well. I think that’s reciprocated.“He’s grown into a top-class striker. Of course, there is going to be speculation around a player of that quality. But we’re comfortable at the minute with the position we’re in with him.”"

It will be a relief to Celtic fans that the club is taking steps in order to extend Edouard’s contract with the club. And to be very honest, it has always seemed like the Frenchman was open to staying for the 10IAR season. He clearly understands the importance of being a part of such a historical achievement. The move to England will always be there if he wants it.