Leicester City are preparing to terminate the loan of Odsonne Edouard from Crystal Palace in the upcoming January transfer window as the club look to reshape their squad under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The French striker, who joined the Foxes on deadline day this summer, has struggled to make an impact at the King Power Stadium. With limited appearances and no significant contributions to his name, the club are now considering cutting his spell.
according to Leicestershire liveLeicester’s decision to part ways with Edouard stems from both his underwhelming performances and the need to free up a domestic loan spell. Premier League rules restrict clubs to only having two players on loan from other top-flight sides at any one time, and Leicester are keen to use those slots more effectively.
Edouard’s stats this season reflect his struggles – just two starts in eight appearances in all competitions and no goals or assists to his name. He has recently been left out of matchday squads, further highlighting his marginal role within the team.
Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to offload Odsonne Edouard
Since taking over in November, van Nistelrooy has been clear about his intention to optimize Leicester’s squad amid their relegation battle.
The Dutchman has pointed to fierce competition in the striker department, with club legend Jamie Vardy and Zambia international Patson Daka ahead of Edouard in the pecking order.
He recently said (as he quoted Leicestershire live):
“It is clear that we have three number nines, with Jamie (Vardy), with Patson and with Edou. In every game there are decisions that have to be made in the nine you have in your squad.
“I’m going to see how many players I need in each position, and so far Jamie and Patson have been chosen. But he is fit and training and that can change every week.
“That’s a fair enough point (over Edouard taking a loan place). It’s clear that the players have to have a perspective. At the moment, with Odsonne’s situation, we have to approach it closely. It’s something that’s on the table for us to look at.”
The possible termination of Edouard’s loan could pave the way for further reinforcements in the January window as Leicester look to bolster their attacking options. The Foxes’ precarious position in the Premier League table has made the winter transfer window critical to their survival hopes.
Leicester will need to work with Crystal Palace to complete the early termination of the loan deal, but the move aligns with van Nistelrooy’s vision to build a more competitive squad.
Although Edouard’s season at Leicester looks set to come to an end, his departure could mark the start of a pivotal phase in the Foxes’ season.
With a renewed focus on squad optimization and new signings on the horizon, van Nistelrooy will hope to guide the club from their current struggles and towards a stronger finish to the campaign.
For Edouard, the early end of his loan spell offers an opportunity to re-establish and perhaps re-ignite his form at Crystal Palace or elsewhere.
