Odsonne Édouard Breaks Silence on Potential Celtic Return: “I’m Always Open to It”
Former Celtic star Odsonne Édouard has finally spoken out about the swirling rumors linking him with a sensational return to Celtic Park this summer, sending fans into a frenzy with his heartfelt comments. The 27-year-old French striker, who has endured a challenging spell in the Premier League since leaving Glasgow in 2021, admitted that his love for the club and its supporters keeps the door firmly open for a possible homecoming.
Édouard, currently on loan at Leicester City from Crystal Palace, has struggled to recapture the prolific form that made him a fan favorite during his four-year stint with the Hoops. With just 27 league minutes this season and no permanent move on the horizon from the Foxes, speculation has intensified about where his next step might take him. Celtic, where he scored 87 goals in 179 appearances and lifted numerous trophies, has emerged as a tantalizing option—and the man himself isn’t ruling it out.
Speaking for the first time about the prospect of returning to the Scottish Premiership champions, Édouard didn’t hold back on his affection for the club. “Celtic is a special place for me,” he said. “I love Celtic, and I love the fans—they gave me so much during my time there. I’m always open to a return because of what the club means to me. It’s a part of my heart.”
The comments come at a pivotal moment for Édouard, whose career has hit a crossroads. After departing Celtic for Crystal Palace in a £14 million move three years ago, he initially showed flashes of brilliance but has since struggled for consistency, managing 21 goals in 101 appearances. His loan switch to Leicester last summer was meant to reignite his spark, but with limited game time under Ruud van Nistelrooy, it’s been a frustrating campaign. Now, with his Palace contract running until 2027 and no clear future at either club, a fresh start could be on the cards—and Celtic fans are already dreaming of seeing “French Eddy” back in green and white.
Édouard’s time at Celtic remains the high watermark of his career. Signed initially on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 before making the move permanent for a then-club-record £9 million, he became a cornerstone of Brendan Rodgers’ treble-winning sides. His knack for scoring against Rangers—along with standout performances in Europe—cemented his status as a modern Celtic hero. Even after leaving, his bond with the club endured, as evidenced by his appearance at last season’s Player of the Year awards in Glasgow, where he was met with a rapturous reception.
“I still follow Celtic, I still watch the games when I can,” Édouard added. “The fans always show me love whenever I come back, and that’s something I’ll never forget. If the opportunity came to return, it’s something I’d have to think about seriously because of how much I enjoyed my time there.”
For Celtic, the prospect of re-signing Édouard could be a game-changer. With Brendan Rodgers back at the helm and the club gearing up for another title defense and a Champions League campaign, adding a proven goalscorer with a deep connection to the club could provide the perfect boost. However, any deal would come with hurdles—his £90,000-a-week wages at Palace far exceed Celtic’s current pay structure, and Palace would likely demand a significant fee or loan arrangement to let him go.
Fan reaction to Édouard’s comments has been predictably electric. Social media erupted with messages of excitement and nostalgia, with one supporter tweeting, “Odsonne saying he’s open to a return has made my day—bring him home!” Another wrote, “He knows where he was happiest. Celtic is calling, Eddy!” Yet, some remain cautious, pointing to his dip in form since leaving and questioning whether he could rediscover his old magic.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Édouard’s next move. His latest remarks have only fueled the speculation, leaving Celtic fans clinging to hope that their beloved striker could once again lead the line at Paradise. For now, Édouard’s message is clear: his love for Celtic burns as bright as ever, and a return is far from off the table.
