Whether Odsonne Edouard is eligible to play for Leicester City vs Crystal Palace on Saturday
Many fans – on both sides – have been wondering whether Odsonne Edouard can play for Leicester City against Crystal Palace this Saturday.
The Foxes travel to Selhurst Park this weekend, fresh from signing the Frenchman on loan from the Eagles on transfer deadline day – Edouard signed a new contract before departing to preserve his value.
Typically, loanees in English football cannot play against their parent sides, although that is sometimes waived during negotiations – as has been seen in Spain when Atletico Madrid allowed Joao Felix to play against them for Barcelona.
So, can Odsonne Edouard play for Leicester City against Crystal Palace on Saturday? Let’s take a look…
Whether Odsonne Edouard can face Crystal Palace
Unfortunately for Steve Cooper, the Welshman cannot call upon the 26-year-old this Saturday.
Premier League rules state that a player cannot play against the club who loaned them out during the period of that loan move, which is why we have previously been unable to field the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher against Chelsea, for example.
Jordan Ayew is – however – expected to face Crystal Palace, as the Ghana international left Selhurst Park on a permanent deal, rather than a loan.
In case you missed it, Leicester City paid £8m to sign Ayew on a two-year contract.
Good news for Oliver Glasner
While Edouard is hardly the most dangerous striker in England – having scored 21 goals in 103 appearances for Crystal Palace – he is still a very talented forward when in the mood.
As seen in last season’s 1-1 draw against West Ham at the London Stadium, for example, the Frenchman sometimes only needs one chance to find the net, so he would have posed a threat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Furthermore – had Edouard been allowed to play – his motivation levels would surely have been sky high, given the fact it would be his debut for the Foxes, and also against the side who just let him go.
Hopefully, Edouard, who Cooper apologised to in training recently, has an enjoyable loan spell with Leicester City – just not at the expense of Crystal Palace in any way.
