Celtic have had plenty of practice when it comes to replacing key players.
But after Brendan Rodgers played down the suggestion that the Scottish Premiership champions could land another Matt O’Riley – or, at least, someone capable of taking his place and immediately reaching double figures for both goals and assists – one wonders what the manager will have to say about Kyogo Furuhashi’s rumoured move to Manchester City.
HITC understands that Pep Guardiola’s side have turned to the free-scoring Japan international. Man City see Kyogo as a potential replacement for Julian Alvarez following his £82 million move to Atletico Madrid.
The City scouts have been glowing in their assessment of arguably Celtic’s finest forward since the legendary Henrik Larsson. They believe he possesses not only the talent but also the ability to adapt to English football, having already dispelled concerns over his slender frame north of the border.
And, with O’Riley’s future already hanging in the balance, Celtic really could have done without further uncertainty surrounding their most reliable goalscorer.
Celtic could lose Kyogo Furuhashi to Manchester City
Kyogo – an outstanding bit of business after arriving from Vissel Kobe in the Ange Postecoglou era – has 73 goals in three seasons in Scotland.
And while there are other strikers who could potentially stump up similar figures – HITC understands that Hearts hitman Lawrence Shankland does have admirers at Parkhead – the task of finding a forward capable of replicating Kyogo’s tireless energy and ferocious pressing will be an almighty challenge for Rodgers’ recruitment team.
“I’m not going to disrespect Lawrence Shankland here because he’s a finisher, and he’s shown it in our league week in week out,” Simon Donnelly, the former Celtic forward, tells Clyde Superscoreboard.
“But he’s a different player to Kyogo. I’ve watched him for three seasons and he’s a real team player, he has an eye for goal, his movement and constant harassing of defenders across the frontline makes it very very mobile, which is probably the opposite of Shankland.
“(The Hearts ace) is a penalty box striker. He probably would get chances and would get goals but as a replacement for Kyogo? Not for me.”
Shankland won Scotland’s Golden Boot last term. With just one year left on his contract, it is reported that Hearts could consider offers in the region of £3 million per the Daily Record.
But a centre-forward in a Rodgers team must offer more than a penalty-box presence.
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“(Kyogo) has a great attitude as well. He’s been the first part of their defence in trying to win the ball back and forcing teams into mistakes,” adds Donnelly, a first-tier champion in 1998. “His movement on the backline is second to none in our league.
“He’s produced in Europe in fits and spurts and has scored important goals against Rangers. He’s different to anything the league has seen before.”
On the upside, Celtic have already sealed a deal to bring Adam Idah back to the club after a fine loan spell from Norwich City.
The Republic of Ireland frontman was occasionally chosen ahead of Kyogo by Rodgers during the second half of 2023/24, too, with the latter’s goal tally dropping to 19 last term from 34 the year before.
As for O’Riley, Brighton chief Paul Barber refused to rule out a late-summer move for a man valued in excess of £25 million.
Celtic have been linked with a number of potential replacements. Among them are Hammarby teenager Bazoumana Toure and Augsburg schemer Arne Engels.
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