Fabrizio Romano has handed Aston Villa a major boost in their chase to sign Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard this summer.
What’s the story?
Reports in recent months have linked Dean Smith’s side with a move for the striker, and now Romano has delivered a decisive update on his long-term future with the Hoops.
Speaking exclusively to GiveMeSport, Romano confirmed that Edouard is likely to leave Celtic Park this summer: “I think, yes. Now it’s time for him to decide on a new club, and we’ll have to see if the right bid arrives. Obviously if you want to sign a player like this, you have to pay.
“There are lots of opportunities for him, but I think yes, this summer there will be chances for him to leave. They (Celtic) will love to keep him, but probably with big and important bids, they need to sell him.”
Time for Sawiris
While Celtic will understandably look to get big-money in Edouard, Villa must surely seize this opportunity to go after Edouard. The Frenchman has been in outstanding form for the Hoops once again this season, netting 16 goals in just 26 league games.
Should Villa sign Edouard?
Yes!
No!
His former boss at Celtic, Neil Lennon, has raved about the kind of importance the £13.5m-rated talent holds at Celtic Park, and was particularly effusive in his praise after a win against Ross County.
He said: “He’s hugely important (to us), he’s an outstanding footballer, talismanic almost, he’s so talented, so cool and he had two great finishes. He’s up there with some of the best we’ve had over the last 20 odd years.”
Given Romano’s update on the situation, it’s surely now time for Villa’s co-owners of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens to get their cheque-books out and strike a deal for Edouard this summer.
Click here to see the full interview with Fabrzio Romano
Meanwhile, Villa’s key backroom appointments will surely have Dean Smith buzzing…