O’Rourke drops verdict on Kyogo Furuhashi making sensational Celtic return
Kyogo Furuhashi could make a sensational return to Celtic in the summer transfer window after being frozen out at Rennes.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about the 30-year-old’s future.
The Japan international left Parkhead to join Rennes for £10million in January, but dropped out of the squad following Jorge Sampaoli’s departure.
Football Insider revealed in March that Celtic could agree a deal for Kyogo’s return if they can strike a deal which is too good to turn down.
However, they are not willing to pay anywhere close to the eight-figure fee they received just five months ago, but the move could happen if all parties were willing.
Celtic fans were disappointed by Kyogo’s departure, and a potential return is set to be a popular decision among the Parkhead faithful.
Celtic plot sensational Kyogo Furuhashi return after Rennes latest
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in March that Kyogo could return to Celtic after making a “mistake” by agreeing to move away.
The forward is thought to have had second thoughts about the move – but sources say he will wait and see whether he is reintegrated during pre-season before deciding his future.
O’Rourke explained that should Kyogo make his desite to move back to Parkhead clear, it is something that Celtic and Brendan Rodgers could look to explore.
“It would definitely be a popular signing amongst the club’s fans,” he told Football Insider.
“It hasn’t really worked out for him, that move to Rennes. He was brought in by Jorge Sampaoli and he then left the club and Kyogo found himself cut out.
“That’s fuelled speculation that he could be moving on.
“Celtic never really replaced Kyogo when they let him go in January, they decided not to bring in another striker.
“So what better man to replace Kyogo than Kyogo himself in that respect?
“It’ll depend on what the player wants to do, if he would be interested in a move back to Celtic then potentially something could happen.
“I don’t think Celtic will be willing to pay anywhere near the £10million they received from Rennes to sell Kyogo in January, it will have to be on much reduced terms.
“If there’s a willingness from Rennes to sell him and the player to return, a move could happen.
“Celtic have a long list of target they’ve looked at as replacements for Kyogo.
“So let’s wait and see. If Rennes reintegrate him into their squad in pre-season then the player himself will be keen to make an impression on the French club.”
Brendan Rodgers to be backed in big-spending summer window
It looks set to be a busy transfer window for Celtic, with a number of incoming deals being targeted to bolster Rodgers’ squad before next season begins.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Celtic are prepared to spend big in an effort to back Rodgers in the market.
They are also keen to provide Rodgers with what he wants in a bid to convince him to stay, as his current contract is set to expire next summer.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Rodgers will demand Celtic back him financially as he aims to build on their success and compete in the Champions League.
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