Better than Bijol: Leeds targeting "best CB outside the top five leagues"

Leeds United have a massive summer ahead of them in the coming months, with shrewd additions needed if the side are to survive the drop in the Premier League next season.

Daniel Farke has done a tremendous job leading the side back to the top-flight, but the real job starts now, with the German needing to keep the side in the division.

None of the last six sides to secure promotion back to such a division have been able to remain in it for longer than one season, highlighting the task on the Whites’ hands in 2025/26.

Whilst they secured the Championship title in 2024/25, multiple additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch this summer, with added depth and quality required if they are to buck the recent trend.

With the season less than two months away and with no additions made, the hierarchy need to start making moves to strengthen the first team squad, leading to countless names being thrown into the mix.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer

All areas of the pitch have been subject to links for Leeds in the last couple of weeks, with Farke evidently plotting moves for numerous talents before the start of the season.

The likes of Fabio Silva, Douglas Luiz and Japhet Tanganga have all been mooted with moves to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deals have edged closer for any of the aforementioned trio.

Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers firmly on their radar, according to 67 Hail Hail.

Their report claims that the Whites are battling Sunderland for the 27-year-old, with the Scottish side potentially holding out for a fee in the region of £25m for his signature.

It also states that the American could be tempted by a return to the Premier League, with the real expectation that he will leave Brendan Rodgers’ side before the end of the summer window.

Why Leeds’ £25m target would be a better option than Bijol

Over the last couple of days, Leeds have emerged as strong contenders to secure a deal for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, with the Slovenian appearing a key target for Farke’s side.

Napoli's David Neres in action with Udinese's JakaBijol

The Whites have already had their first bid for the 26-year-old rejected, but remain in talks with the Serie A side over a move to land the defender ahead of the 2025/26.

It’s been reported that the first bid was in the region of £15m, but it remains to be seen how much the Italian side would be demanding to part ways with Bijol this window.

He’s been a key member of the side this campaign, featuring in all but four matches, highlighting his importance to the side and making it understandable that they don’t want to part ways with him this summer.

They should look past a move for the Slovenian and prioritise a deal for the Celtic star, offering a better defensive option ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

However, when comparing his stats to those of Carter-Vickers this campaign, the American has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, showcasing why the board needs to pursue a move for his signature.

The 27-year-old, who’s been labelled “the best centre-back outside the top five leagues” by Euro Expert, has completed more passes and made more progressive passes per 90 – showcasing his ability to play out from the back when needed.

How Carter-Vickers compares to Bijol in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Carter-Vickers

Bijol

Games played

30

34

Minutes played

2618

2963

Pass accuracy

94%

83%

Progressive passes

4.8

2.3

Tackles won

1.6

1.3

% of tackles won

71%

52%

Aerials won

74%

67%

Stats via FBref

He’s also starred out of possession, winning more tackles per 90, and making more interceptions, having the talent without the ball, massively aiding their survival battle next season.

The former Spurs star has also won more aerial battles, having an impact at both ends of the pitch, potentially offering a set-piece threat within the final third.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition for the Whites this summer, his figures produced this campaign are examples of the talent he possesses – offering a better signing than Bijol.

Both players would massively improve the options currently in the first team squad, with Farke needing to work tirelessly in the coming months to secure Carter-Vickers’ signature.

He'd be Farke's own Jansson: Leeds preparing bid for "monstrous" talent

Leeds United are set to make a move for a star who could become a fan favourite at Elland Road.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 13, 2025

Deepti Sharma returns to the Hundred with London Spirit

She will replace the injured Grace Harris in the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-2024

Deepti Sharma will miss the start of the Hundred due to the Asia Cup in Dambulla•BCCI

Deepti Sharma will return to the Hundred this year after signing for London Spirit as a replacement for the injured Grace Harris. Deepti played for Spirit in the competition’s inaugural season in 2021 and was an unused member of Birmingham Phoenix’s squad the following summer.The Hundred starts on July 23 with Spirit due to play their opening fixture away against Southern Brave the following day, but Deepti will miss the start of the competition due to the Asia Cup in Dambulla. She will be replaced by Erin Burns for the first two games, who is already in the country playing for Northern Diamonds.Deepti is one of three India players due to be involved in the Hundred this season, along with Richa Ghosh (Birmingham Phoenix) and Smriti Mandhana (Southern Brave). Like Deepti, both players are part of India’s Asia Cup squad so will miss the first week of the competition.Related

Silverwood returns to English cricket in Oval Invincibles role

Mahika Gaur withdraws from Women's Hundred due to side strain

Ben Stokes to link up with Andrew Flintoff in Northern Superchargers comeback

The ECB confirmed the latest tranche of replacement players on Thursday afternoon, with Sophie Molineux (Manchester Originals) joining Harris in pulling out of the Hundred. Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Molineux had suffered a fracture rib and Harris a calf strain.Molineux has been replaced by Kim Garth, while Bethan Ellis will join her at the Originals after Mahika Gaur pulled out due to a side strain. Tash Farrant has been ruled out with a hamstring injury but is yet to be replaced at Oval Invincibles, while Beth Langston is in for Claire Nicholas at Welsh Fire.As ESPNcricinfo revealed on Wednesday night, England’s Test batters will be released to play in the men’s Hundred immediately after their third Test against West Indies at Edgbaston, while their bowlers and allrounders – including Ben Stokes – are only likely to play the second half of the group stages due to workload management.Further replacements include Leicestershire’s Louis Kimber, who takes up the injured Will Smeed’s spot at Phoenix, while Mohammad Amir has signed for the Invincibles – who are defending champions – for the start of the competition as short-term cover while Spencer Johnson concludes his commitments at Major League Cricket.Hundred replacement deals:Birmingham Phoenix: Louis Kimber and Tim Southee replace Will Smeed and Naseem Shah.
London Spirit: James Neesham and Matthew Taylor replace Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope while they are with England; Deepti Sharma replaces Grace Harris, with Erin Burns replacing Deepti until the end of the Asia Cup.
Manchester Originals: Kim Garth and Bethan Ellis replace Sophie Molineux and Mahika Gaur.
Northern Superchargers: Mitchell Santner replaces Daniel Sams.
Oval Invincibles: Harrison Ward and Mohammad Amir replace Gus Atkinson (while he is with England) and Spencer Johnson (while he is at MLC). Tash Farrant has withdrawn, replacement TBC
Trent Rockets: Riley Meredith replaces Joe Root while he is with England.Beth Langston: Beth Langston replaces Claire Nicholas.

خاص | الأهلي يخوض مباراة ودية.. وتفاصيل جلسة النحاس مع عبد القادر

قرر عماد النحاس، المدير الفني المؤقت لفريق الأهلي، خوض مباراة ودية غدًا الإثنين، في إطار الاستعدادات لعودة منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز بعد فترة التوقف الدولي.

ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة نظيره إنبي يوم 14 سبتمبر الجاري، ضمن الجولة السادسة من المسابقة المحلية، حيث يسعى الجهاز الفني لتجهيز اللاعبين فنيًا وبدنيًا والاطمئنان على حالتهم قبل استئناف المشوار المحلي.

وكشف مصدر داخل النادي الأهلي لـ بطولات، أن عماد النحاس حرص على عقد جلسة مع أحمد عبد القادر لاعب الفريق، أكد خلالها منحه فرصة المشاركة في الودية المرتقبة أسوة بزملائه، في إطار سياسة منح جميع اللاعبين الفرصة لإثبات قدراتهم أمام الجهاز الفني.

طالع أيضًا | بعد رحيل ريبيرو.. هل قرر الأهلي التجديد لـ أحمد عبد القادر؟

يأتي ذلك عقب الفترة الصعبة التي عاشها أحمد عبد القادر بعد عودته من الدوري القطري وانتهاء فترة إعارته، والتي لم تتح له خلالها الفرصة للمشاركة مع الفريق في المباريات أو التدريبات الجماعية تحت قيادة المدرب الإسباني السابق للأهلي، خوسيه ريبيرو.

وكان الأهلي قد تلقى هزيمة أمام بيراميدز بهدفين دون رد في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري، ليتجمد رصيده عند 5 نقاط في المركز الثاني عشر بجدول الترتيب.

Pathirana and Madushanka out of ODIs against India

Sri Lanka “not risking” Pathirana after he jarred his shoulder in the third T20I; uncapped seamers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga added to squad

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Aug-2024Two further Sri Lanka fast bowlers have been ruled out of the ODIs against India, with Matheesha Pathirana picking up a shoulder complaint, and Dilshan Madushanka injuring a hamstring.Sri Lanka are also without Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with illness, and Nuwan Thushara, who fractured his thumb. Both these players had missed the T20Is as well.For now Sri Lanka have brought uncapped right-arm seamer Mohamed Shiraz into the squad, team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed to ESPNcricinfo. Later in the afternoon, a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed a second uncapped right-arm seamer was added to the squad: Eshan Malinga. Three players were also put on standby: batter Kusal Perera, seamer Pramod Madushan and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.Related

Jayasuriya: 'Don't see a lack of commitment, but SL players have to tackle pressure better'

'It's not a practice ground, it's an international game' – Rohit Sharma keeps his focus on the present

Will it be another mismatch as Sri Lanka and India switch to ODIs?

Thushara out of India T20Is with broken finger

“Matheesha has jarred his shoulder, and because it is the same issue that he had during the World Cup last year, they have chosen not to risk it,” Halangoda said. Pathirana had picked up the injury while fielding in the third T20I in Pallekele, and had left the field soon after, before he had bowled a single delivery in that game.Madushanka, meanwhile, had sustained the hamstring injury while training, Halangoda said. He had played only one match in the T20I series.Both Pathirana and Madushanka were likely to be in the XI for the first ODI against India, on Friday. Sri Lanka have lost their last 10 matches across formats against India.

Suryakumar confirmed as India's T20I captain for Sri Lanka tour

Suryakumar Yadav has been confirmed as India’s new T20I captain, ahead of Hardik Pandya who was the vice-captain of the squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June.Suryakumar’s first assignment is the three T20Is in Sri Lanka on July 27, 28 and 30, which is also the first assignment of India’s new coach Gautam Gambhir. It’s also seen as the first step towards building for the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. While Hardik is part of the T20I squad, Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain.Gill had captained India in the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe that followed the T20 World Cup.The need for a new captain arose following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is after winning the World Cup. Though Hardik was Rohit’s deputy at the T20 World Cup and is a more experienced captain – he has led India in three ODIs and 16 T20Is, apart from leading Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in the IPL – it is understood fitness concerns and workload management may have been factors in the decision taken by the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Hardik had suffered an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup last October-November and was out of action until the start of IPL 2024, when he returned to lead MI. Hardik has played in just 46 of the 79 T20Is India have played since the start of 2022.Suryakumar, meanwhile, has captained the Mumbai state team in the domestic circuit. More recently, he led India to a 4-1 win over Australia in a T20I series last November, followed by a 1-1 series draw in South Africa.Suryakumar was not named in the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour, while Hardik, too, is taking a break from 50-over internationals.

After Gittens: Chelsea now want to hijack Newcastle move to sign £52m star

After announcing the arrival of Jamie Gittens, Chelsea now reportedly want to hijack Newcastle United’s chase to sign a Serie A defender who’s worth over £50m.

Gittens realises Premier League "dream"

As ever, Chelsea haven’t been afraid to spend big in the summer transfer window. This time around, they’ve splashed out over £60m to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, £35m to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and, most recently, £52m to welcome Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. But even then, the Blues are unlikely to be done there.

After putting pen to paper to confirm his big-money move, the winger told Chelsea’s official website: “I did watch Chelsea when I was younger. Not in the stadium but on the TV at home in Reading, during the time of the Eden Hazard era.

“Eden was the clear player for me at that time. I liked Willian as well, another attacker. He had that little shimmy he did, I liked that.

“It’s my dream to play in the Premier League. Obviously, watching it from Germany, it’s a really intense league. Every week is a battle, and I feel like I can enter that battle strongly. I’m excited to join this team that have a winning mentality – that’s the main thing.

More exciting than Estevao: Chelsea chase one of "England's biggest jewels"

Chelsea could be looking to make a move for one of England’s finest talents

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 5, 2025

“I just want to keep improving, especially as a footballer and a human being. I want to be more consistent and keep learning. It’s a great feeling to join Chelsea, such a big club. I can’t wait to learn from everyone in the team and to push myself to the max here. It’s amazing.”

With Pedro, Delap and now Gittens at their disposal going forward, those in West London have seemingly turned their attention towards handing their backline a similar boost in the form of a Serie A star.

Chelsea eyeing Giorgio Scalvini hijack

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea now want to hijack Newcastle’s move to sign Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta and face competition from Manchester United to do so. The Magpies have set their sights on the defender, but now face competition from two rivals.

Like Gittens, however, the deal won’t come cheap for Chelsea with the Serie A club reportedly demanding as much as €60m (£52m) to sell their central defender this summer.

It’s clear to see why Chelsea are interested in Scalvini even as he returns from an ACL injury, and it’s not just because of his defensive talents. As analyst Ben Mattinson highlighted last year, the Atalanta man has the “front-footed aggressive style” to push into midfield if needed in the type of versatility that no side would turn down.

Whilst he may need time to get back to his best after a long-term injury, Scalvini remains one to watch this summer.

Crystal Palace now on the verge of sealing £47m deal to sign "elite talent"

Crystal Palace are now on the verge of sealing a deal to sign an “elite talent”, who is excited by the prospect of playing in the Premier League, according to a report.

Decision looms over Palace's Europa League spot

Palace were due to find out whether they will be allowed to play in next season’s Europa League on Monday, however, UEFA have once again delayed the verdict, stating they need more time to come to a final decision.

Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol added: “Players such as Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta are in demand and this latest UEFA delay will only add to the uncertainty surrounding their futures at the club.

“Palace cannot plan and prepare properly when they do not know which competitions they will be playing in next season.”

Should the Eagles not be allowed to compete in Europe next season, it could lead to the departures of some key players, while it may also impact the calibre of player Oliver Glasner is able to attract this summer.

Crystal Palace submit £8.5m bid to sign 21 y/o who wants Selhurst Park move

Palace have submitted a bid to sign a new striker…

ByBrett Worthington Jun 30, 2025

However, there has now been a promising update on Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, with a report from Portugal (via Sport Witness) revealing they are now closing in on a deal for the centre-back.

Palace are nearing an agreement, which is set to amount to €55m (£47m), with that figure likely to include bonuses, and the two clubs are now negotiating the final details, including the percentage Sporting will receive from a future sale.

Personal terms are unlikely to be an issue, with Diomande attracted by the project on offer at Selhurst Park, where he will receive a ‘millionaire salary’, and excited by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

"Elite talent" Diomande could excel at Selhurst Park

Some top clubs have been linked with moves for the starlet as of late, including Premier League rivals Chelsea, but a move to South London could make perfect sense, given that the youngster is likely to receive more game time.

There are also signs the 21-year-old could excel at Selhurst Park, with the ace very highly-rated by scout Jacek Kulig.

It is clear that Palace will need to sign a new centre-back this summer, with Liverpool closing in on a deal for Guehi, and given the Sporting defender’s age, he could be a perfect long-term replacement.

Having already made 101 first-team appearances for Sporting, including nine in the Champions League, Diomande could make an instant impact at Selhurst Park, and it is exciting news that a deal is now close to completion.

Leeds submit £12m bid to sign "unbelievable" player, personal terms agreed

Leeds United have now submitted a £12m offer to sign an “unbelievable” player, with an agreement also being reached on personal terms, reliable reporter David Ornstein has revealed.

Leeds vying to sign new midfielders

Having missed out on Habib Diarra to fellow promoted side Sunderland, Leeds have been forced to move on to alternative central midfield targets, and it is looking increasingly likely that there could be multiple additions in the engine room.

Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is of particular interest, with the Whites now growing more confident they will be able to complete a deal for the German, while they have also set their sights on several players who boast Premier League experience.

Newcastle United’s Joe Willock is one of the players on the shortlist, although Crystal Palace may have an advantage in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, given that he is believed to favour a move to the capital this summer.

Leeds eyeing huge £17m talent wanted by Champions League clubs

Leeds United are in the mix of teams who want to sign a highly rated midfielder.

2 ByBrett Worthington Jul 7, 2025

Consequently, Daniel Farke’s side have seemingly made little progress in their pursuit of Willock, but they are now stepping up their pursuit of a different Newcastle midfielder.

That is according to an update from Ornstein on X, with the reporter revealing that Leeds are “pushing to sign Sean Longstaff”, having recently submitted a £12m offer for his services.

The latest bid is believed to be “close to the limit” before the West Yorkshire outfit decide to move on to other targets, but they are yet to receive a reply from the Magpies.

Newcastle United's SeanLongstaffin action with Bromley's Jude Arthurs

With personal terms already “in place”, the deal could move quickly if the offer is accepted, with the Newcastle academy graduate keen for his boyhood club to receive a fee for his services, rather than losing him on a free transfer next summer.

"Unbelievable" Longstaff could be ideal signing for Leeds

The 27-year-old wouldn’t exactly be the flashiest of signings, but he could be the ideal addition to a Leeds squad looking to stabilise as a Premier League club, given his vast experience in the top flight.

During his time with the Magpies, the Englishman has chalked up a total of 171 Premier League appearances, while also being dubbed “unbelievable” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has also praised the Newcastle maestro for his work-rate and versatility: “He can play in a variety of midfield roles and it’s that ability to get the best out of Bruno (Guimaraes) in that Newcastle midfield. Bruno plays better when Sean Longstaff is behind him, in front of him or alongside him. He can run all day, he’s a great athlete.”

As such, Longstaff clearly has the quality to help Leeds survive in their first season back in the Premier League, and £12m seems like a reasonable fee for his services.

Big Havertz upgrade: Arsenal now eyeing £40m CF instead of Sesko & Gyokeres

Goals, goals and more goals; if there is one thing Arsenal lacked this season, it was goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League for the third season on the bounce this year and produced the best defence in the competition.

Yet, the North Londoners scored 17 goals fewer than champions Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City, who finished in third.

Arsenal manager MikelArtetareacts

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to a Premier League-proven goalscorer, who’d be a significant upgrade on Kai Havertz.

It feels like every other transfer story concerning Arsenal this summer has been related to a striker, specifically Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.

According to reports from earlier this week, RB Leipzig are holding out for up to €100m for the Slovenian star, which is about £85m, while the Sporting CP star might be available for up to €70m, which is about £60m.

However, with progress seemingly stalling with both, another name has re-emerged: Ollie Watkins.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a recent report from Gary Jacob of the Times, Arsenal could go back in for the Aston Villa star this summer.

The Gunners had an offer of around £40m for the Englishman turned down in the winter window, but according to other reports from earlier this week, an offer of that much might be enough to seal the deal this summer.

It might not be the striker signing fans were hoping for or even expecting at the start of the window, but Watkins is Premier League-proven and would be a massive upgrade on Havertz.

How Watkins compares to Havertz

Now, even though Watkins can play in a few positions across the frontline and even played in midfield in his younger days, his best position remains up top, leading the line, so much so, in fact, that podcaster Rohan Jivan described him as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe.”

Therefore, with Gabriel Jesus set to be out for the rest of the year, his main competitor for game time at Arsenal would be Havertz, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, which is ultimately what matters most for a centre-forward, it is the Englishman who comes out on top.

For example, in 54 appearances this season, totalling 3578 minutes, the former Exeter City gem scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.74 games, or every 115.41 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 29 scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.

Watkins vs Havertz

Statistics per 90

Watkins

Havertz

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.59

0.57

Non-Penalty G+As

0.76

0.58

Progressive Passes

1.07

2.93

Progressive Passes Received

5.71

5.43

Progressive Carries

1.90

1.68

Shots

2.84

2.54

Shots on Target

1.25

1.01

Passing Accuracy

72.4%

78.4%

Key Passes

0.83

0.82

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.45

0.43

Shot-Creating Actions

1.84

2.02

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.14

Successful Take-On %

24.4%

23.7%

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

The comparison isn’t much better for the German international when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, either.

For example, while he does better in some areas, such as progressive passes, shot-creating actions and passing accuracy, the Claret and Blue star comes out on top in the vast majority of relevant metrics, like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, key passes and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Havertz is a useful player and will likely continue to be next season, but if Arsenal want to genuinely upgrade their frontline, then they could do a lot worse than signing Watkins this summer.

Benjamin Sesko has now made "unusual" demand in Arsenal transfer talks

The Slovenia international wants something out of the ordinary.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 20, 2025

He's more exciting than Tierney: Celtic could re-sign "elite" £7m star

2025 has been the year of the returning hero at Celtic Park so far.

Kieran Tierney has returned to Celtic, six years after departing, following in the footsteps of Jota, who re-joined the Hoops during the January transfer window.

So now, could Brendan Rodgers, who is no stranger to a Glasgow return himself, be re-united with a star he once labelled one of Europe’s best young players?

The reaction to Kieran Tierney's Celtic return

After completing his return to his boyhood club last week, Tierney said it “feels amazing” to be back, adding “my ambition is just for Celtic to be as successful as possible”.

Rodgers too exclaimed that he’s “delighted” to add a “talented and high-quality” player to his squad, while Tierney is unquestionably a fans’ favourite in Glasgow’s East End, having come through the academy to make 170 appearances for the club during his first spell, winning 11 major trophies.

So, while there is major excitement about seeing the left-back bedecked in green and white hoops once again, could an even bigger talent also be back later this summer?

Celtic's search for a new striker

Tierney’s return to Parkhead this summer has been met with glee, but when has a left-back ever been more exciting than a new striker? Arguably never.

The Scot has the potential to come back and be a roaring success down the left channels, carving out goalscoring opportunities at will for teammates, but who will be on the end of his teasing balls into the box? Well, another Celtic return could be on the cards and it’s more eye-catching than Tierney.

Indeed, as noted by Ryan McDonald of the Daily Record, Celtic could re-sign striker Odsonne Édouard this summer, with ex-Celtic midfielder Scott Allan believing the club shouldn’t think twice if they are able to add a “fantastic player” to their ranks.

The striker initially arrived at Parkhead on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, scoring on his debut against Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park, before his move was made permanent the following summer, costing a then-club-record £9m.

In total, Édouard scored 87 goals in 179 appearances for the Celts, numbers that are comparable with the club’s other great centre-forwards of modern times.

Kyōgo

165

85

126

Giakoumakis

57

26

97

Édouard

179

87

140

Dembélé

94

51

120

Griffiths

262

123

118

Hooper

138

82

136

The numbers above rubberstamp why he was more exciting than Tierney in green and white, with only Leigh Griffiths having scored more goals for Celtic since Henrik Larsson’s departure in 2004, with the Scotland international doing so in 83 more appearances.

Former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

Édouard ultimately departed for Crystal Palace in August 2021, costing around £18.5m, scoring 21 times for the Eagles, including bagging a memorable double on his debut against Tottenham, but his career has gone off the rails in the last year or so.

Not in Oliver Glasner’s pre-season plans, the Frenchman joined Leicester City on a season-long loan last summer, but this has to go down as one of the most disastrous loan spells of all time, now valued at just £7m by Transfermarkt.

Appearances

6

Minutes

113

Starts

1

Matches an unused sub

3

Matched not in the squad

31

Total matches

40

Édouard was completely frozen out by both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester, most recently a substitute on Boxing Day, his last appearance coming on 10 November, while his one and only start for the club came in the Carabao Cup at Walsall in September.

Odsonne-Edouard
Odsonne-Edouard

As outlined by John Percy of the Telegraph, having featured for both Palace and Leicester in 2024/25, FIFA regulations stipulate that he was unable to represent a third club in the same season.

Thus, Édouard remained stranded in the proverbial wilderness from January onwards, despite the fact the Foxes broke all sorts of records when it came to not scoring, most notably losing eight successive Premier League home games to nil, an unprecedentedly miserable run.

Nevertheless, still 27 years old, the striker certainly still has plenty to offer.

When Édouard signed permanently for Celtic in the first place, Rodgers labelled him one of European football’s “elite young talents”. While he may not still be too young, he still has elite potential, particularly if it took him to Scotland again.

Still searching for a Kyōgo Furuhashi replacement, if the Frenchman becomes available at a cut-price, this would surely be a no-brainer.

More exciting than Tierney: Celtic expected to complete "no-brainer" deal

Celtic are expected to seal the signing of a star who would be more exciting than Kieran Tierney.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus