GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi at full time during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, on September 01, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
The timing stinks. I’ll cover that later.
There is no universe in which the decision to sell Kyogo with a Champions League game of huge importance still to play makes sense, except to our board.
But the deal itself? If the timing didn’t reek I would have been broadly supportive of it, provided it had happened when the last game in the Groups had been played, and we had already completed a deal for a replacement – a critical element which does not apply to this deal at all. We’re weaker as it stands than we were when the window opened. Again. This club just keeps on doing this to us.
I’m one of those who has described Kyogo as the best Celtic striker since Larsson. But what does that really mean? Think about the forwards we’ve had since Larsson. Some have scored more goals than Kyogo—Leigh Griffiths, for instance, who’s in the 100-goals club. If Griffiths had taken better care of himself and been more professional off the field, he’d have scored another hundred.
As a natural finisher, he was as good as anyone I’ve seen in a Celtic shirt.
We’ve also had players like Gary Hooper, another phenomenal finisher and a predatory forward who could score with startling regularity. Scott McDonald delivered in high-profile games—Champions League ties, games against the first Ibrox club, major cup finals. Proven goal scorers, all of them.
Yet none were compared to Larsson.
The last three major Celtic strikers I’ve watched—Dembele, Edouard, and Kyogo—are comparable to Larsson. All three would have reached 100 goals had they stayed longer, and all would have become iconic players at the club.
Dembele was the best since Larsson, until Edouard came along. Then Edouard was the best since Larsson, until Kyogo arrived. We’ve been blessed to see a progression in quality through these three outstanding forwards.
Dembele and Edouard could almost have been Brendan Rodgers prototypes: players with pace, power, and that elusive “X factor.” It’s the same thing Griffiths had in flashes and what McDonald and Hooper could occasionally produce—the ability to do something utterly unexpected.
That’s what stands out about the three though. These guys consistently delivered those moments of magic at the highest level, at least in a Celtic shirt.
It’s about more than just goals. When people debate the world’s top striker right now, two names come up: Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid and Erling Haaland at Manchester City.
Of the two, one is possibly the most clinical finisher European football has seen in a generation.
The other? A genuine, all-time superstar who could play in any team, in any era, and grace any pitch on any stage.
Vinícius Júnior is, by a country mile, the better footballer. It’s not even close.
He’s got more technical ability, he works harder, and he does so much more on the pitch. He’s one of the most fluid, dynamic players I’ve ever watched. He creates goals, lays on goals, scores goals—and does it against anyone, anywhere.
We’re in an era where stats show defensive players often have the most touches of the ball. Look at the numbers from our games: Carter-Vickers, the full-backs, and Callum McGregor dominate possession because most teams build from the back. Yet someone like Vinícius still gets on the ball as much, if not more, than the defensive players. I’d bet he makes as many passes as most defenders and certainly holds the ball longer in games. Those traits set him apart.
Haaland, meanwhile, does a very specific thing, but he does it phenomenally well. To an almost supernatural degree, in fact. He’s a machine, a relentless finisher. But when you compare the two, Vinícius has the versatility and magic that Haaland simply doesn’t. Vinícius is a grafter. Haaland is sometimes seen as lazy; he isn’t, but if the defence stifles him he doesn’t do much for the team.
So when I say Kyogo is the best striker we’ve had since Larsson, I’m talking about his overall contribution to the team. He’s our Vinícius Júnior, compared to someone like Giakoumakis, who was more like our Haaland.
Kyogo is a team player, a creator, an outlet. He has imagination, that spark of genius to do what others can’t. His mind works a split-second faster, and he has the physical attributes to take advantage of it.
But looking at this Celtic team right now, I wonder if what we need is more of a Haaland than another Vinícius. A Haaland would fit better in this system. We already have two wide players who can create, open defences, score, and lay on chances for others. When you think about Dembele and Edouard, they were both better suited to Rodgers’ style of play—big, powerful, and direct. Maybe what we need now is a player with physicality and pure goal-scoring instincts.
We’ve got Idah, and he gives us something different.
You saw his potential on Wednesday when he shook off the defender, broke free, and closed in on goal. There’s a major footballer there waiting to emerge. But if Kyogo gets that chance, he clips it over the onrushing goalkeeper with precision.
Idah needed a bit of luck—a deflection—to get his goal. I like the big guy and think he’ll come good. But imagine bringing in a player with that same physicality and aggression, combined with Kyogo’s imagination and skill. A player like that, in this team, with the chances we create? He’d score for fun.
Kyogo put the ball in the net three times, but there’s a caveat: all of them were offside. That can’t be ignored. It’s a weakness that’s haunted us in big moments—like at Ibrox, where he put the ball in the net at the start of the month … again from an offside position. His positional awareness isn’t quite what it was, and maybe that’s partly down to how we played under Ange.
Many of Kyogo’s goals then came from balls squared across the box after the defensive line had already been breached. Passes played backwards—across the goal or not—can’t be offside. He ran riot in that system.
So think about that. Is the issue Kyogo himself, or is it the way we’re playing now? Either way, as brilliant as he is, there are weaknesses we can’t ignore.
And while you’re mulling this over, let’s talk about the ball to Adam Idah. It was impeccable. As good as any of the balls played to Kyogo.
The difference was that Idah timed his run perfectly, starting just behind the defender. That—and the way defences in Scotland have managed to close Kyogo down—might give you a clue as to why I’m not exactly crying into my beer over this situation … except for the timing of the deal.
Maybe this team does need a Haaland more than a Vinícius Júnior. That could well be the thinking, and in that regard, you have to trust the manager.
One thing is clear: Kyogo hasn’t looked like the player he was under Ange since playing in Rodgers’ system. There’s been a lot of talk about how Rodgers should change his style to suit him. That’s nonsense.
You don’t build a team around one player.
You get players who fit into the system you’ve designed, not the other way around. Trying to bend the whole team to suit one individual? That’s madness. It’s the sort of lunacy that loses league titles. It’s also why the idea of simply moving Maeda into the middle as a fix is laughable.
What you need is the ready-made, photo-fit striker. Someone who ticks every box.
Look at Kyogo’s stats: 165 games, 85 goals, and 19 assists. That’s what you’re trying to replace. But break it down further—how many of those goals and assists came before the change in system? Because Rodgers’ setup has undoubtedly blunted his effectiveness. That’s the key point.
Meanwhile, look at Maeda.
He’s never played better than he is right now. He’s never been more effective for Celtic. This is the best version of him, even better than under Ange—the man who brought him here. Nicolas Kuhn has been terrifyingly effective too, both in goals and assists. Some of those assists are the kind of chances Kyogo used to make himself, but now they’re being spread more widely across the team.
Kyogo is a year older now. He’s expressed a desire to leave, and who can blame him? This is probably his last chance at a major move, and that’s why when it comes to selling him I’ve been relaxed on the idea since last season. If it had happened in the summer and we’d signed a replacement then, we’d have moved on and been no worse for it. But this? Doing it now, in this way? It reeks.
So if, over the next few days, I seem more frustrated and angrier at the board than usual, it’s because of this. It’s not that I don’t see the logic of selling Kyogo. It’s that I don’t see the logic in the timing or the way it’s being done.
I could support this deal under different conditions.
Under the current ones?
Only Celtic would behave this way, and that’s most certainly not a compliment.
Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images
The Trinity Tims put out a special on the events surrounding the game … and the aftermath. Let’s say I wasn’t terribly happy …
Please share and subscribe friends.
What is there left to say about this board that hasn’t already been said? They are a disgrace, for them it will forever be PLC first & FC second. We must have close to 100m in the bank, this is the Football Clubs money and it should be out on the pitch winning us football matches. Why is the money sitting in a bank account? It serves no purpose there, in fact it is detrimental to do this as money that is not reinvested by year’s end will simply result in a bigger tax bill.
Is Haaland a better forward than Harry Kane, well that’s certainly up for debate, I’m surprised you’ve not put him in there, his exploits in the bundesliga are outrageous, so I’d definitely have him well up there. Celtic have been great with Kyogo, the wee man has been great for us, and he wants to try something else, and he should go with our blessing. We have qualified for the next stage of the champions league, and miles ahead in the league
If Jota comes in I can see Maeda being played as the striker. It makes sense with Jota on the left and Kuhn on the right. I would like to see us bringing in an experienced striker but won’t be surprised if we don’t.
Kyogo will be a miss but we move on.
I think Maeda played as a striker in a pre season friendly and scored a hat trick. Striker is his best position and he plays there for Japan.
Resigning two great players who are aged 26/27 who left only a few years ago for a combined fee of £50m would be unbelievable.(Tierney and Jota) If a new £10m striker is also included it would be the best transfer window ever.
Would Sevco be pleased?
Sorry and ah genuinely hope I’m proved wrong, tho ah just dont share your faith in Idah and if this board make the negligent mistake by stickin with just him, they’re takin one massive risk with the comin months. It would be insane not tae bring in another striker. We should also be makin a midfield stopper a priority.
If the deal does go through before the Villa game and we have no recognised striker signed now, it is absolutely disgraceful timing!!!
Like a lot of our fanbase, the selling of Kyogo does make financial sense, and none of us begrudge the wee man his move, whatsoever!
He has been absolutely fantastic for us and he can leave us knowing he is adored by all.
Presently, we can only surmise that the player expressed a wish to leave, and that BR is happy enough with this decision. We would also like to presume that, in addition to Jota, we have a striker lined up, with the big Dane on everyone’s lips!
If that is not the case, and our board have put cash over common sense, then it is, quite frankly, a disgrace, and the timing of it, outrageously bizarre!!!
In the here and now, we have a tough SPL game to negotiate, ( if the weather abates,) and the next game is always the most important thing.
This could and should be an interesting 4-5 days, and we shall see what unravels! HH
Yes the timing was lousy and I don’t think Brendan had any say in this matter,is there a replacement striker coming in , Jota would be welcome but he’s not a number 9,The only peepul who will be really happy now are sevco.The Celtic board blinded again by £signs , kyogo could have went in the summer.
Let’s face it. The board is quite happy with going through and not too fussed about the Villa game.
That is the extent of its ambitions.
Bank the cash and rub yer hauns!
The board will be judged on future results. I just hope that a replacement striker is lined up. the outcome of this transfer and the affect it has on the team will soon be seen, Let’s hope it’s not be seen as a big mistake.
Most Celtic fans will see the business logic of this deal, especially if the player was keen on the move. Like his countryman Nakamura, Kyogo will always be remembered as a Celtic hero.
It’s now up to the Board and BR to bring in the signings before the 3rd FEB that will strengthen this team for the big push to finish the season well, and be ready for the Champions League Qualifiers in August.
For me IF we get Jota, the big Dane and Tierney
it will be a good window…..I wish Kyogo all the best., he has been great for us but we move on.
The board are a disgrace selling Kyogo before the Villa game but it doesn’t surprise me. The question has to be what has been the Managers input, has he been promised a new striker who has already been identified ? If we don’t spend big the only solution is moving Maeda to striker. The midfield needs a defensive player to take the pressure off, and if the rumours of Valle moving on are true, we need left back cover as an injury prone Tierney if he arrives won’t cut it in the SPFL with hammer throwers targeting him weekly. Remember the board gave form for ruining promising football campaigns and losing us talented players and managers.
BR just said Kyogo expressed a wish to leave a few months ago, maybe that’s why he didn’t look too happy at times
Yes I would agree,it all makes sense now.
If the support knew he wanted to leave would they still be annoyed at the board .
People bandy words like “disgrace” way to much. The board are not perfect but certainly not a disgrace. He wanted to go, we let him go. All the best to him and we move on. We deal with it. No drama. The board are spending the most they have ever done in our history and backing the manager more than any manager has been backed. Yeh it’s fine to be disappointed, but “disgrace”? Come on.
Hi, genuine question, why in your opinion does a football club need 70 plus million in the bank?
Ask Rangers?
Ya need to ask Berwick Rangers, Queen’s Park Rangers, Cove Rangers, Stafford Rangers or even Crossmaglen Rangers Terry…
Cos the Glasgow version are deed as the do do’s !
Think it through over the next week and see how satisfied you are.
Have a listen to the post Young Boys Podcast to stimulate your thought processes then
come back and tell us it’s not a disgrace. The timing is 100% wrong and detrimental.
We WILL finish this transfer window weaker than we started and it will have profound effects across
the whole team for the rest of the season. We will need that 13 point and 27 goal lead. The Board’s decision is strategically wrong in terms of Football planning no matter what the bean counters say.
The PLC should exist to promote the ambitions of the Football Club. That’s what we are, a Football Club.
Our Board prioritises profit, not just breaking even, over the needs of the Football Club.
If investors want returns then there are better returns available on the Stock Market.
100% agree with everything you say. Just wish more supporters understood this.
Celtic is not a detention centre or a prison, Kyogo asked months ago, according to Brendan that he would like to leave, so have we just to say to him, no you will leave when we say, good luck with getting new players in with that philosophy. It’s the right thing to do, the wee man been great, and he should leave with our best wishes. The board and the manager are doing right by him. Celtic also is a business, and to answer who wants 70 million in the bank, I mean would you rather we had nothing in it. The old board almost killed Celtic, Lawwell has his faults, but he is a big part in why Celtic are so successful today., and that’s the truth.
I’ll hold fire until 00.00 hours on 1st February…
If the board and Brendan have satisfied ma needs (as they have trophy wise and league position wise both domestically and in Europe this season then great)…
If not then I’ll just be another keyboard warrior then !
The timing is awful, and I’m surprised at Kyogos choice of club. I think I remember an old interview with Kyogo and Hatate where they said they’d like to play in different leagues in Europe before going back to Japan, so if the player really wants the move then maybe I don’t blame the board too much. The timing is brutal though, the January window needs changed next season.
I can understand the disappointment some will feel about Kyogo’s departure but clearly the timing was more influenced by Kyogo who wanted to leave and Rennes who are in a relegation fight (or almost) and need him NOW. They wouldn’t have wanted him for 10 million in the summer, if at all, and presumably Kyogo via his agent knew this. I seem to remember when Dembele wanted to leave but wasn’t allowed – his form was terrible thereafter. Kyogo’s form has been poor and his goal scoring exploits not great for whatever the reason. Perhaps his YB exploits were to help get the transfer over the line.