CELTIC must not lose Odsonne Edouard. He is a talismanic figure and offers the club a great deal on and off the pitch.< He oozes class and confidence whilst making everything appear very cool. Last night's embarrassing defeat to Ferencvaros marks a decade of Celtic's European regression from Lennon's own Last 16 appearances to dropping out in the second qualifying round to the Hungarians. Much was made after the game about players not wanting to be at the club being welcome to leave, a comment which Lennon was unequivocal about. This news was followed up by a report by Sky Sports that the Scottish Champions may look to sign Serbian striker Ivan Šaponjić from Athletico Madrid. The 23-year-old will be an option if an offer that is acceptable comes in for the Frenchman.
The only striker that potentially needs replaced at Celtic is Leigh Griffiths – Edouard should be offered a new deal with a release clause and a gentleman’s agreement to sell him next summer. Edouard is not a player that we can afford to lose after what has been a poor start to the season, selling Edouard could risk the 10IAR campaign imploding before it takes off the ground.
Saponjic has made 3 appearances for Madrid and represents a big downgrade on Edouard should any deal transpire with the Frenchman departing. Instead, a move for the striker could make sense if it allowed a loan move for Klimala and potentially a Celtic exit for Leigh Griffiths.
