As the January transfer window looms large, two Premier League players are facing uncertain futures as their clubs weigh up the option of cutting short their loan deals. Odsonne Edouard, who joined Leicester City on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace in August, and Maxwel Cornet, who signed for Southampton on a similar deal from West Ham, are both at risk of having their contracts terminated early.
According to sources close to the clubs, Leicester City are considering cutting short Edouard’s loan deal due to his limited playing time. The French striker has made just six appearances for the Foxes, playing a total of 113 minutes in all competitions. His last appearance came off the bench in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, and he has not started in any of Leicester’s league fixtures.
“Odsonne is a talented player, but he’s not had the impact we were hoping for,” said a Leicester City insider. “We’re considering our options, and cutting short his loan deal is one of them. We need to make sure we’re getting the best out of our players, and if that means making changes, then so be it.”
Meanwhile, Southampton are also considering cutting short Cornet’s loan deal. The Ivorian winger has made just four appearances for the Saints, with most of his minutes coming in the Carabao Cup. His last Premier League appearance came at the end of September, and he has struggled to make an impact at St Mary’s.
“Maxwel is a great player, but he’s not fitted in as well as we’d hoped,” said a Southampton source. “We’re looking at our options, and cutting short his loan deal is one of them. We need to make sure we’re getting the best out of our players, and if that means making changes, then so be it.”
The Premier League’s loan rules are also a factor in the decision-making process. Clubs are limited to two loan players at any one time, and Leicester and Southampton are both currently at the maximum. With the January transfer window approaching, both clubs may look to free up loan spaces to bring in new players.
“It’s a tricky situation, but we need to make decisions that are best for the club,” said Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers. “We’ll look at all our options and make a decision that’s in the best interests of the club.”
The fate of Edouard and Cornet will be decided in the coming weeks, and both players will be hoping to prove themselves to their respective clubs. One thing is certain, however – the January transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one for Leicester City and Southampton.
