John Barnes says Celtic star could leave next summer

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John Barnes has told the Daily Record that he believes Odsonne Edouard could leave Celtic next summer as he continues to shine for the Scottish champions, after being linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides.

Still only 21 years of age, Edouard has had a hand in 20 goals during 20 league and cup appearances this season. He has netted 11 times for Neil Lennon’s side, but proved just as creative by laying on nine assists.

Edouard joined Celtic on loan in the summer of 2017 before making the deal a permanent one in 2018. He has since played 101 times for the Hoops, scoring 44 goals and added 21 assists. He has a contract at Celtic until the summer of 2022.

The Daily Mail claim Napoli and Borussia Dortmund wanted Edouard in the summer and it is believed Celtic rate the striker at £30million. Barnes reckons Celtic could rake in as much as £30million, and that the Frenchman could leave next summer.

“Edouard’s a good young player, and as much as players might like playing for clubs like Celtic or Rangers, for their career they will want to move on,” Barnes said. “Celtic will be open to sell for £20million to £30m.

“With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Moussa Dembele staying at Celtic for a short while before moving on to bigger clubs, Edouard be given a similar opportunity next summer.”

TBR’s view – Celtic will do well to keep Edouard next summer

At the age of 21 and scoring at a ratio of one goal every two games – as well as laying on assists – it is obvious that bigger European sides will become interested in the France Under-21 international.

At £30million, a striker that is scoring as freely as Edouard at that age is a bargain. He has already proved that he could score in European competition. Moussa Dembele has impressed at Lyon, more proof that Edouard would be worth £30million.