‘He may never wear a Celtic shirt again’ – Exclusive: Pundits reacts to latest Edouard reveal
Noel Whelan has claimed Odsonne Edouard will refrain from signing a new deal for at least a month and insisted he may never wear a Celtic shirt again.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the ex-SPL striker suggested the 22-year-old would only sign an extension if a release clause was inserted.
Neil Lennon revealed that talks had begun with the French striker’s representatives over an extension to his agreement, which expires in 2022.
Edouard has been the subject of interest from a number of Premier League sides this season.
The centre-forward scored 27 goals in 45 appearances to spearhead the Hoops to a ninth consecutive league title and the Scottish League Cup in the recently-terminated campaign.
Football Insider revealed in March that the former Paris Saint-Germain striker wanted a low release clause in his contract if he was to sign a new deal.
Whelan was certain such a clause would be integral to an agreement.
“I very much believe there would be a release clause if he did sign,” he told Football Insider. “Edoaurd and his agents will have an idea of what he is worth and they will not leave themselves out.
“Strikers that can score goals are hard to come by. He can score all kinds of goals.
“He will demand a good fee so if he does sign a new contract it will be in there.
“I am unsure whether if he would put pen to paper until pre-season. Anything can happen between now and then. He does not want to put all of his eggs in one basket.
“If he is going to be playing his football elsewhere, it will be from the start of the season and he never wear a Celtic shirt again. There is a long time to go between now and the start of next season.”
In other Celtic news, Paul Robinson urges senior star to stay after contract is tabled.