BREAKING: Celtic Star Kyogo Furuhashi Emerges as.....Read details

Celtic Star Kyogo Furuhashi Emerges as Shock Target for Manchester City

In a surprising turn of events, Celtic’s talismanic forward Kyogo Furuhashi has found himself on Manchester City’s radar, with reports suggesting he could be part of a sensational transfer to the Etihad Stadium. Despite his ongoing battle with a recurring shoulder injury, the 29-year-old Japanese international’s impeccable form in Scotland has not gone unnoticed by City boss Pep Guardiola, who is reportedly considering him as a versatile option in his attacking arsenal.

Since joining Celtic from Vissel Kobe in 2021 under then-manager Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo has taken the Scottish Premiership by storm. His knack for finding the back of the net has made him a fan favorite at Celtic Park, where his goal-scoring exploits have been unmatched in the league. No player has netted more goals in the Scottish Premiership during this period, a testament to Kyogo’s lethal finishing and his importance to the Hoops’ attacking play.

However, Kyogo’s potential move to Manchester City would likely see him utilized in a different role than the one he currently occupies at Celtic. According to reports from The Athletic and well-known transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Guardiola is considering Kyogo as a replacement for Julián Álvarez, who recently secured a high-profile transfer away from the Premier League champions.

City’s pursuit of Kyogo comes as Guardiola looks to bolster his squad’s depth, particularly in the forward positions. While Erling Haaland remains the undisputed first-choice striker, the departure of Álvarez has left a gap that needs to be filled, albeit by someone who is willing to accept a more rotational role. Guardiola has made it clear that he is searching for a player who can provide cover for Haaland, as well as fill in for Oscar Bobb on the wings, if necessary.

“We’re looking for someone who can come in and make an impact, even if it means playing only two out of every ten games,” Guardiola mentioned in a recent press conference when asked about City’s transfer plans. “There are players out there who can compete with Erling, who believe they are better and want to prove it. We will see what the market has to offer.”

Kyogo’s versatility could make him an ideal candidate for such a role. While primarily a striker, his ability to operate effectively as a winger adds another dimension to his game, one that Guardiola might find particularly appealing. In City’s fluid attacking system, where players are often required to interchange positions and fulfill various tactical roles, Kyogo’s adaptability could prove to be a significant asset.

However, it’s understood that Kyogo is not the only player on City’s shortlist. The identity of the other potential target remains undisclosed, but it is believed that City are weighing their options carefully as they look to finalize their squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

For Celtic, the potential loss of Kyogo would be a significant blow. His goals have been crucial to the club’s success in recent seasons, and replacing a player of his caliber would be no easy task. Nevertheless, the allure of joining one of Europe’s elite clubs and working under a manager like Guardiola could be tempting for Kyogo, who may see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, all eyes will be on whether Manchester City make a formal move for Kyogo. If the deal materializes, it could be one of the most intriguing transfers of the summer, with the potential to reshape the attacking options at the Etihad and leave Celtic searching for answers in their quest for domestic dominance.