Celtic open talks to sign “outstanding” £15m striker, he’s open to the move

Celtic have now opened talks to sign an “outstanding” striker, who’s open to a move to Parkhead this summer, according to a report.

Hoops looking to sign new goalscorer

The Hoops lost Kyogo Furuhashi during the January transfer window, with the Japanese striker signing for Rennes, meaning Brendan Rodgers could do with bringing in a new striker this summer, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Daizen Maeda’s future.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Brentford and Fenerbahce could battle it out for the Japenese forward, who really stepped up in Kyogo’s absence last season, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions.

Losing a forward who provided so many goal contributions last season would be a real blow for Rodgers, which is why the manager is desperate to keep hold of the 27-year-old, and the reigning Scottish Premiership champions are confident they can agree an extension.

However, the manager may also be keen to bring in an out-and-out striker this summer, and the Hoops are now stepping up their pursuit of a centre-forward who has already proven himself in the Scottish Premiership…

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Celtic have now opened talks with the agents of Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard over a potential return to Parkhead, and the Frenchman is said to be open to the move.

Edouard left the Scottish side for £15m back in 2021, and he could be available for a similar fee this summer, with Palace willing to sanction a departure, given that Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as their first-choice striker.

However, there may be some way to go before a deal can be agreed, as the Hoops are unwilling to fork out £15m up front and would prefer to loan the centre-forward until January initially, but a deal of that nature does not appeal to Palace.

“Outstanding” Edouard could be ideal signing for Celtic

The former Celtic star has already proven he has what it takes to be a key player for a top Scottish Premiership side, most notably performing remarkably well in the 2019-20 campaign, during which he picked up 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 league games.

In that season, the Kourou-born forward was described as an “outstanding, talented player” by Neil Lennon, while he also caught the eye in the Europa League, opening the scoring with a well-taken goal in his side’s 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen.

Not only did the Palace forward impress under Lennon, but he also performed very well under Rodgers, netting 14 league goals in the 2018-19 campaign, so Rodgers will know he can trust his former player.

As such, Edouard could be the perfect addition for Celtic at striker, but the deal looks some way off completion as things stand, given their desire to sign him on an initial loan deal.