Odsonne Édouard’s career trajectory has been nothing short of fascinating, particularly after his stunning rise at Celtic, where he became a fan favourite and one of the best strikers in Scottish football. Signed in 2018 from Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan, Édouard quickly made his mark, scoring goals and winning titles. His time at Celtic Park was filled with memorable moments, including his clinical finishing and his ability to step up in crucial games, especially in the Old Firm derby and European competitions. By the time he left for Crystal Palace in 2021, he had become an integral part of Celtic’s success, with nearly a century of goals and several domestic trophies to his name.

However, his transition to English football, particularly in the Premier League, has not gone as smoothly as many anticipated. Crystal Palace, who paid £14 million to secure Édouard’s services, hoped that he would be the answer to their attacking woes. But despite his talent and potential, Édouard has failed to consistently live up to expectations in the Premier League. After a promising start, his performances became more inconsistent, and his role within the team diminished. He found himself often on the bench, and Palace’s decision-makers appeared to question his fit within the squad’s tactical setup.

In the summer of 2023, after struggling for game time at Selhurst Park, Édouard was sent on loan to Leicester City, who were relegated to the Championship after a disappointing Premier League campaign. This move was seen as an opportunity for the Frenchman to rediscover his form, playing regularly in a more competitive environment. However, this loan spell has turned into a disaster for the striker, as he has been relegated to the fringes of the squad at Leicester, despite being fit.

Leicester City, under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, has not given Édouard any substantial playing time since November 2023, and he has been included in just one matchday squad in that period. Despite Leicester’s struggles and their battle to get promoted back to the Premier League, Édouard has failed to make an impact, with van Nistelrooy prioritizing other attacking options such as Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka. Van Nistelrooy, speaking on Édouard’s situation, explained that while the striker was training, he was competing for limited spots, and ultimately, Vardy and Daka were ahead of him in the pecking order. The manager acknowledged that Édouard was a talented player but that, at this stage, he hadn’t done enough to earn a place in the team.

This situation is particularly tough for Édouard, who finds himself not only out of favour at Leicester but also potentially out of Palace’s future plans. With his contract at Selhurst Park running until 2027, it seems clear that a move elsewhere is inevitable. However, his high wages, reportedly around £90,000 a week, could be a major obstacle for any club looking to sign him. Leicester paid a £2.5 million loan fee and covered a large chunk of those wages, which was a significant financial commitment for a club that is struggling to meet financial regulations. Despite these challenges, Palace blocked attempts to end the loan early in January, leaving Édouard in limbo for the remainder of the season.

Now 27 years old, Édouard is at a crossroads in his career. His time in the Premier League has been disappointing, and he finds himself on the fringes of two clubs—Crystal Palace and Leicester City—where he was once seen as a key player. As his loan spell at Leicester comes to an end, his next move will be crucial in determining the future of his career. Whether he seeks a new challenge elsewhere or returns to Celtic, where he became a household name, remains to be seen.

There is a possibility, albeit a slim one, that Édouard could return to Celtic, especially given his deep connection to the club and the admiration Brendan Rodgers had for him. Rodgers, who helped Édouard develop into one of Celtic’s most important players, has always spoken highly of the striker, praising his movement, touch, and all-around play. Rodgers once described him as “one of the best young players I have worked with,” and it is clear that there was a special bond between the two during their time together at Celtic. With Rodgers now back at the helm at Celtic, there could be the potential for a reunion, especially if Celtic is in the market for a new striker. However, this would depend on several factors, including whether Édouard would be willing to take a significant pay cut to return to Scotland and whether Celtic would be willing to take a risk on a player whose form has been inconsistent in recent years.

Despite his struggles, Édouard still holds Celtic close to his heart. He was recently seen attending Celtic’s Player of the Year event, where he expressed his joy at seeing the club’s success and his ongoing support for the team. This affection for the club is evident in his comments, where he mentioned that he follows every Celtic game like a fan and hopes the team continues to succeed. This loyalty to Celtic could be an important factor in any potential return, but it is clear that his situation in England is complicated by financial considerations and his recent lack of playing time.

Interestingly, Celtic’s current striker situation might give Édouard a potential avenue back into the squad. With Kyogo Furuhashi continuing to shine, Celtic may be looking for more depth and options in attack. However, whether Édouard is the right fit at this stage in his career is another matter. His past success at Celtic is undeniable, but his recent struggles in England could make Celtic hesitant to re-sign him, particularly given the high expectations and wage demands.

Ultimately, Édouard’s future looks uncertain. He has struggled in the Premier League and Championship, and it remains to be seen whether he can rediscover the form that made him a star at Celtic. A potential return to Parkhead could offer him the chance to reignite his career, but financial and competitive factors will likely play a huge role in determining whether this happens. With his contract at Palace running until 2027, it seems that he will need to find a new club this summer, but whether that will be in Scotland or elsewhere remains an open question.

In the end, Édouard’s story serves as a reminder of how unpredictable football can be. While his time at Celtic was a dream, his move to the Premier League has proven much more challenging, and his career now hinges on what choices he makes in the near future.