Leicester City signs Odsonne Edouard on loan from Crystal Palace

Leicester City has secured the services of Odsonne Edouard on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace, finalizing the deal just before the summer transfer window closed. The 26-year-old striker, who has represented France at the under-21 level, joins Leicester after the club invested nearly £80 million in eight new players during the summer transfer period. Initially, Leicester was not pursuing any new signings on deadline day unless a compelling opportunity arose. Crystal Palace indicated Edouard's availability for loan as they sought to bring in Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal. Leicester had previously shown interest in Edouard when Brendan Rodgers was in charge, but the club's focus shifted after signing Patson Daka. However, Daka's recent ankle injury, sustained during pre-season, necessitated Leicester's urgent need for additional striking options. With Daka sidelined for several months following surgery, Leicester's attacking lineup was limited to Jamie Vardy and new acquisition Jordan Ayew. Young forward Tom Cannon was loaned out to Stoke City on the same day, further depleting Leicester's options. Manager Steve Cooper aimed to recruit a striker with a different skill set, one who could effectively hold up the ball and facilitate play, but financial constraints prevented Leicester from pursuing their interest in Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis. Edouard, who joined Crystal Palace from Celtic in 2021, has made 103 appearances for the club, netting 21 goals across all competitions. His experience and physicality are expected to bolster Leicester's attacking capabilities as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.