Celtic’s “resolve” won’t be tested over Kyogo. There is no way we’ll sell him in January.

The big story trending online today is about Kyogo and the possibility of interest in him from MLS clubs when the window opens at the end of the month. The usual suspects are out in force, hyping this up. The story itself originates with Stephen McGowan, which immediately raises questions about how someone who struggles to keep up with events on their own doorstep claims to know so much about what’s happening in the US or other far-flung places.

Yet, an entirely fake consensus has emerged around this idea: that Celtic will face a dilemma, that our resolve will be tested, and that our determination to keep the player will be challenged. What absolute rubbish.

Our resolve won’t be tested in the slightest. The notion that Brendan Rodgers would sanction the sale of Kyogo in January—when the primary purpose of that window is to strengthen the squad—and considering we have plenty of cash in the bank, is laughable. There is no scenario where we sell Kyogo in January.

In fact, the suggestion that this would test our resolve is nonsense. It’s as if these pundits have completely failed to listen to the manager or recognise that we’re actively building a squad. We’ve already identified our priority signings for the next window, and a striker isn’t among them. We have no plans to let a striker go, so this isn’t a test of resolve at all. Any offer will simply be turned down, without hesitation.

The media loves spinning these tales, pretending Celtic are perpetually on the brink of a difficult decision. Remember the absurd suggestion that a £35 million bid for Matt O’Riley would have been a tough call? In reality, that deal was always going to happen. But a £10 million bid for Kyogo? That’s not just an insult; it’s a joke—especially in January.

And the MLS? Really? Kyogo has the technical ability to play in any league in Europe, and he’s still hungry to test himself at that level. Could I see us selling him at the right price in the summer? Possibly—after we’ve had six months to prepare for his departure and identify a replacement. He’ll be 31 by his next birthday, which is a consideration for both the player and the club.

Under those circumstances, a move to Europe might appeal to him. But the idea that he’d move to the MLS in January? Nonsense. That’s not the level of his ambition, especially with more Champions League games ahead and another treble to aim for.

The only people struggling with tough choices are the hacks, who seem clueless about what to write as we approach the festive period. That’s why we’re getting such drivel, like today’s nonsense about how the dressing room responded to Kyogo’s miss at the weekend. It’s poor stuff, and it pales in comparison to other stories I’ll highlight later.

For now, I’ll say this: I would bet every penny in my bank account that Kyogo won’t be leaving next month. It’s as ridiculous as the rumours linking him to Manchester City in the summer. If there is any interest, it will be swiftly rebuffed. This story isn’t worth losing a moment’s sleep over.

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