John Hartson suggests how many signings Celtic need, claims Edouard isn’t marquee target

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John Hartson has commented on Celtic’s interest in Odsonne Edouard.

Pundit John Hartson has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he thinks Celtic need up to four new signings – and doesn’t think Odsonne Edouard is the marquee signing needed.

The Bhoys head into this summer’s transfer market having won a second straight domestic treble under Brendan Rodgers, but they will be on their guard this summer.

With Rangers having renewed optimism under new boss Steven Gerrard, Celtic must keep pushing to improve, which will require a host of new signings ahead of next season.

Last summer, boss Rodgers oversaw deals for Jonny Hayes, Kundai Benyu, Olivier Ntcham, Patrick Roberts and Odsonne Edouard, and Celtic must bring in reinforcements again this time.

Edouard is once again a topic of conversation, as the Paris Saint-Germain loanee hit 11 goals in 29 games for Celtic this past season, meaning Rodgers is pursuing a permanent deal for the 20-year-old forward.

Edouard should be a priority for Celtic this summer, but ex-Bhoys striker and current pundit John Hartson has told the Glasgow Evening Times that Rodgers needs a marquee signing – but Edouard may not be the man needed.

Hartson does feel that Celtic have seen the glimpses of potential that Edouard has, but they need a player for fans to get excited about, whilst also calling for up to four new signings this summer.

“I still think that Celtic really need to get three or four players in before the window shuts in August – and ideally you would want one of them to be a marquee signing,” said Hartson. “You want the guy who is going to get everyone excited and who gets people off their seats I have to be honest and say that I am not sure Odsonne Edouard is that guy because we haven’t seen too much of him, but what I will say is that if Brendan Rodgers is prepared to shell out the big bucks for him – and he’ll cost Celtic £10m – then you have to say that he has done more than enough to be trusted on that one.”

“I think we have seen glimpses of the potential the lad has. The exciting thing about him isn’t just the pace and the power and the technique but also his temperament. He seems able to keep his head when the pressure is on and as we all know that is the real sign of a top class player,” he added.