Hutton makes '£25m' Edouard claim after Celtic deadline day drama
Alan Hutton has suggested that Celtic could have received a higher fee for departed striker Odsonne Edouard.
The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said Edouard's recent displays could've been a factor in the Hoops' lowered asking price.
A Celtic source has told Football Insider today that the club will receive an initial £15million for Edouard rising to £20million with add-ons.
The 23-year-old striker signed for Premier League Crystal Palace yesterday, ending months of speculation on his future at Parkhead.
Hutton claimed that the Bhoys have had to settle for a lesser fee due to Edouard's faltering start to the season.
“They probably should’ve gotten more,” he told Football Insider's Russell Edge.
“It’s still good business, but he was their prized asset.
“That’s probably the only downside, his performances in recent weeks just haven’t warranted that £20-25million move.
“As we’ve seen in the news, supposedly teams like Leicester and teams like that were going on a charge for him, but it just didn’t materialise.
“He’s definitely had a dip in form, and I think he would be the first person to tell you that.
“I don't know whether that’s because of a similar situation to Connor Goldson, and the endless transfer talk and the dwindling contract.
“That kind of speculation can affect you on the pitch.
“Celtic have had to bite the bullet and take the money instead of letting him go for free.
“They’ve met in the middle and in the end, I think it suits everyone.”
Edouard's contract at Celtic was due to expire next summer.
The striker scored 86 goals in 179 games at the Parkhead club after joining in 2017.