Leicester City Bolster Attack with Late Loan Signing of Odsonne Edouard Amid Striker Crisis
Leicester City secured a last-minute deal to bring in Crystal Palace forward Odsonne Edouard on a season-long loan on Transfer Deadline Day, addressing their urgent need for a new centre-forward after a challenging summer transfer window.
The Foxes found themselves in a striker dilemma early on, following Kelechi Iheanacho’s departure at the end of his contract and Jamie Vardy’s injury that kept him sidelined after the first pre-season friendly. Vardy made a surprise recovery to start the opening game of the season, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur, but an injury to Patson Daka in the final pre-season match left Leicester desperate for reinforcements up front.
With Daka facing a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury and Tom Cannon sent out on loan to Stoke City after failing to impress manager Steve Cooper, Leicester’s acquisition of Edouard could be pivotal in their fight to remain in the Premier League. The Foxes also added Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal to strengthen their attacking options, prompting Edouard’s move from Selhurst Park in search of regular playing time.
The deal works well for Leicester, who added depth to their frontline without paying a hefty transfer fee. However, any attempt to make Edouard’s move permanent next summer may come at a high cost, as Crystal Palace took steps to protect their asset before finalizing the loan.
According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon, “Leicester City loanee Odsonne Edouard signed a new deal at Crystal Palace before he left … for THREE YEARS. The shock contract was sorted before the Frenchman moved to the Foxes but protects Palace next summer when he comes back.” Edouard’s contract was originally set to expire in 2026, but the extension means that Palace hold a strong negotiating position if Leicester decides to pursue a permanent deal.
While Palace’s move to secure Edouard’s long-term future might seem surprising given his lack of playing time at Selhurst Park, it does safeguard the club’s interests. For Leicester fans, there is hope that the former Celtic striker will rediscover his scoring form, as he has managed just 18 goals in 95 Premier League appearances for Palace.
McAteer Makes Memorable International Debut Amidst Leicester City Drama
In other Leicester City news, Kasey McAteer made his debut for the Republic of Ireland in a friendly against England, shortly after choosing to represent Ireland over Northern Ireland and England. Despite Ireland’s defeat, the match was a memorable experience for the 22-year-old Foxes academy graduate.
Reflecting on his debut, McAteer shared his emotions: “It was amazing. It’s like a dream come true, playing at a packed-out Aviva against a top side like England. To have my family here to share it with me is a moment that will live with me forever.”
He also spoke of his late Nan and uncle Joey, who were passionate Ireland fans. “They would have been so proud looking down,” he added, expressing his hopes for more appearances in the future.
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