Kyogo to Celtic: O’Rourke reveals how stunning deal could happen
Brendan Rodgers and Celtic’s recruitment team will move for Kyogo Furuhashi if they strike a deal which is too good to turn down, sources have told Football Insider.
Kyogo’s shock £10million departure to Rennes in January took many Celtic fans by surprise after he scored an impressive 85 goals in 165 matches for Rodgers’ side.
That included 12 strikes in 32 games in the first half of this season, and though his exit coincided with another fan favourite in Jota heading the other way, Celtic fans were still saddened to see Kyogo depart.
However, sources have told Football Insider that Celtic and Rodgers have effectively “moved on” from Furuhashi, having brought in an eight-figure fee for the 30-year-old forward and signed Jota in return.
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Kyogo’s exit came as a result of him being “badly advised” and that he could push for a return to Parkhead, but this looks unlikely at present.
Celtic are closing in on a potential domestic treble with the League Cup already won, the Premiership title a formality and a favourable Scottish Cup draw, but attention will soon turn towards the transfer window.
Celtic to only pursue Kyogo transfer in ideal circumstances
Kyogo’s time in Ligue 1 hasn’t gone entirely to plan with just four appearances made for Rennes and zero goals scored, but an immediate return to Celtic Park is seemingly off ther table for the time being.
Rodgers and the Celtic recruitment team have a busy summer of transfers lined up, with the full-back positions, central midfield and centre-forward the three areas they’re most in need of addressing.
Although a striker who can provide similar numbers to him is on the list for Celtic, Kyogo is not, with Rodgers set to look elsewhere for a younger, more physical profile than the 30-year-old can provide.
Only in ideal circumstances – and a deal which perfectly suits all parties – will Kyogo return to Parkhead, with Kieran Tierney looking set to be the only former Celtic man back in green hoops this summer.
Kyogo consigned to the past as Celtic look to move forward
Football Insider reported earlier this month that Rodgers is likely to receive plenty of financial backing from Celtic Park higher-ups this summer, allowing the 52-year-old to replenish his title-winning squad.
Tierney has taken a substantial pay cut to rejoin his boyhood club on a free transfer, and Kyogo would likely have to do the same in order for Celtic to even consider re-signing their former number eight.
Kyogo may have failed to hit the ground running in Rennes, but having departed Celtic with three League Cups and Premierships apiece, as well as two Scottish Cups, the term “never go back” is an apt one.