Brendan Rodgers has received a major boost following his return to Celtic with Kyogo Furuhashi signing a new deal while bringing an end to speculation linking him with Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.
‘Brendan Rodgers one, Ange Postecoglou nil’, perhaps?
After the Scottish Sun suggested that Postecoglou had hoped to reunite with the £20 million-rated Japan international in his new North London home, the sight of Kyogo Furuhashi putting pen to paper on a new four-year contract at Celtic would have come as a massive relief to a coach looking to pick up where he left off back in 2019 while disproving the notion that you should ‘never go back’.
Kyogo Furuhashi staying at Celtic
“It is brilliant news for the club,” Rodgers beams. “Kyogo is an important player for us. I am delighted he has signed a new contract.
“Kyogo has thrived since he arrived in Scottish football and has shown his outstanding qualities. In two seasons, he has secured five domestic honours, scored over 50 club goals and become a treble winner. This takes a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice both on and off the pitch.
“He is an exciting player who is hungry to bring more success to our club. He has a great mentality and is an unbelievable talent. I am looking forward to working with him and helping him and the wider team develop to help drive the club forward.”
Kyogo scored 34 goals last season as Celtic completed a clean sweep of domestic trophies for the fifth time in eight years.
‘Brendan is a top-level manager’
“I am very happy to extend my stay for four years at this incredible club,” Kyogo adds. “It is an honour to represent Celtic Football Club and our amazing supporters.
“Last season was unbelievable. To win my first treble, and help secure a world record breaking eighth treble for the club was a very proud moment for me and I cherish the memories of celebrating this with our fans.
“They have been so supportive of me since I joined Celtic so I will work hard to repay them.
“Next season our objective is the same – to bring success to our club. I am looking forward to getting started and working with Brendan. He is a top-level manager, he knows the club and knows what it takes to win silverware here. I and my team mates are looking forward to working with him.”
The disappointment at missing out on Kyogo, however, will not offset the excitement surrounding what has been a highly-promising start to the Postecoglou era. Tottenham have already signed one of the Premier League’s finest playmakers in James Maddison, and an exciting, ball-playing goalkeeper in Guglielmo Vicario.
Manor Solomon, meanwhile, could be one of next season’s best bargain buys. The former Fulham loanee will join Spurs on a free transfer this week, as confirmed by his agent.
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