Why an MLS exit is likely to suit both Kyogo and Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·10 janvier 2025

Why an MLS exit is likely to suit both Kyogo and Celtic

Celtic must prepare for the imminent departure of Kyogo, whether it be this month or in the summer transfer window…

Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic wins a header during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The reported interest from Ronny Deila’s new MLS side Atlanta Utd seems to have caused much debate over the past couple of days amongst the Celtic support. Atlanta Utd have been linked with a £10m move for the Hoops striker this month, and the official MLS website sparked confusion on Wednesday night after they mistakenly published announcing Atlanta Utd had officially signed Kyogo. An error it may well have been, but this was all too coincidental.

Vidéos OneFootball

MLS issued an apology

In a statement issued to the PA news agency, the MLS said: “Major League Soccer’s website mistakenly posted an article that named the wrong player as having signed with an MLS club. The article was immediately removed and corrected. MLS extends its sincere apologies to the impacted parties.”

A Google search brings up the article stating Kyogo has been acquired by Atlanta United. Screenshot taken by The Celtic Star from MLSoccer.com who later apologised for their error.

Kyogo’s current deal at Celtic expires in the summer of 2027. It is worth noting that the Japanese frontman turns 30 this month, and if he wants one final ‘big’ move [spoiler: joining the dots, he absolutely does!] then it will have to be in the next two transfer windows. By a ‘big’ move, that means doubling his wages entering the final years of his career not necessarily an improved team.

Major red flag

On the eve of this season beginning, Kyogo changed agencies. The 29 year-old went from ‘MORE THAN SPORT GMBH’ to the popular footballing agency CAA Base. Major red flag. This was only a year on from Celtic’s star man under Ange Postecoglou signing a new four-year contract.

Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring the third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic C and St. Johnstone at Celtic Park on December 29, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Agents of course make their money from finding improved contracts for their clients. Therefore, this would suggest that Kyogo, who was linked with a summer move to Manchester City and the MLS, fancies a move away from Celtic after spending three and a half years in Glasgow.

Celtic need to weigh up their options

Celtic need to weigh up their options as well around Kyogo’s potential departure. The acquisition of Adam Idah for £9m in the summer was quite clearly an overvalue of the former Norwich City striker. Can Celtic in the second half of the season go with a forward line consisting of Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny if they were to sell Kyogo?

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Maeda’s natural position is on the left-wing but he has shown from games with his national team that he can be deployed as a number nine.

That is if Brendan Rodgers and the hierarchy believe that they do not need to replace Kyogo should he leave this window and ultimately prioritise a striker for the summer. After all, Celtic are 15 points clear and have the title well and truly wrapped up. Celtic could play the rest of the season domestically without Kyogo – the only question would be of the Champions League.

The big date for Kyogo may well be 22 January

Kyogo at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

The big date for Kyogo may well be 22 January. Celtic play BSC Young Boys in matchday seven of Europe’s elite club competition. The permeations are simple, if Celtic win they enter the knockout playoffs in February, banking yet more money and double-digit games in the Champions League for the first time ever.

That would put Celtic’s season looking like: winners of the Premier Sports League Cup and on their way to a Treble, maintaining a significant gap in the league, and a shot at playing Champions League football in March. Would it then make sense for all parties that Kyogo moves on this window if the offer of £10m becomes a reality?

Kyogo has faded at Celtic

Kyogo simply isn’t the same quality of player he is now from when he first walked through the door to become the focal point under Ange. That is not a criticism, he is four years older, and that electrifying pace and instinct finishing has slightly dissipated evidently effecting his numbers in the past two seasons.

Kyogo celebrates at the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, Celtic against Aberdeen. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Also, the answer of whether he suits Brendan Rodgers’ system remains unanswered for me. Often, his involvement in matches is sparse and that should be a major concern if Celtic were to keep him.

However, Kyogo is not far away from the 100 club. He has been Celtic’s talisman for several years now – scoring in the Champions League, cup finals, semi-finals, against Rangers [on multiple occasions]. Kyogo’s contribution for the three-in-a-row Scottish champions – all of which he has been a huge part of – deserves recognition and much appreciation.

The best since Larsson?

Adam Idah comes on for Kyogo. Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Celtic v Aberdeen. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

The best since Larsson? Gary Hooper and Moussa Dembele might have something to say about that. Truth is, Celtic and Kyogo have a massive decision to make this month. And, if it’s not this month it’s the summer. Delaying the inevitable for all parties would not be wise. If Celtic are offered £10m this month, considering all factors it will be a deal difficult to turn down. The MLS window doesn’t close until February so don’t expect anything to happen until after Celtic’s place in the Champions League play-off round is secured.

Conor Spence

Kasper Schmeichel acknowledges the fans following the Scottishl Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

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