When Dermot Desmond finally brings a new manager Celtic, they will have a massive pile of issues to address within the Bhoys team.
Whether it’s sorting out a blotchy defence or finding a successor for Scott Brown, there will be no shortage of clean up jobs. Another thing they’ll need to address is potential outgoings.
One of those regularly linked with a move away is Odsonne Edouard. Leicester, West Ham and Liverpool have all been interested in the Frenchman over recent months and it now feels inevitable that he’ll walk through the exit door.
If he does stay at Parkhead, however, it would be huge news. Edouard has scored 20 goals this season and is their undisputed top scorer and best player.
He has had very little help in the goal department this term, though, so an addition in the summer would be welcome. A player who ticks all the boxes is Kristijan Lovric.
Celtic had a bid rejected for his services in the winter window of 2019/20 before they renewed their pursuit last summer. A deal wasn’t concluded but we believe they should reignite their interest once more.
That’s because the 25-year-old has been magnificent for Gorica in the top-flight of Croatian football this season.
Lovric has netted 16 times and has also created five goals in 2020/21. He is the ultimate winger, someone who uses pace and trickery to get the best of his marker.
Speaking about the Croatian last term, HNTV commentator Damir Petravic gave him the ultimate compliment: “He dribbles and scores in the style of Robben.”
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Indeed, Lovric has amassed five dribbles 5.37 successful attacking actions on average each 90 minutes this term.
For a player like Edouard, this has the potential to be game-changing. The 22-year-old has still been in the goals this season but the thought of him playing alongside someone like Lovric is a mouth-watering prospect.
The supply line to Edouard hasn’t been too impressive this term. One of their chief creators in James Forrest has only just returned from a lay-off that’s kept him out since September while no one has more assists than Ryan Christie’s eight.
Considering only three of those have been provided in his last 16 games, an upgrade is needed.
Lovric could well be that man. In the process, he’d improve the supply line to Edouard and ultimately give him more opportunities to score.
Consider how well the Croat beats a man and it would open up increased space in the final third. He feels like an ideal addition this summer.
The key, however, is actually keeping Edouard in Glasgow. That will be the real challenge.