BREAKING: Celtic star Kyogo to Man City transfer latest as Hoops..

Kyogo Furuhashi Linked with Shock Move to Manchester City as Celtic Demand Massive Fee

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester City is reportedly eyeing Celtic’s star striker, Kyogo Furuhashi, as a potential replacement for World Cup winner Julian Alvarez. This potential transfer has sent shockwaves through both the Premier League and the Scottish Premiership, with Celtic poised to demand a hefty fee for their prized asset.

City manager Pep Guardiola is keen to bolster his attacking options after Alvarez’s recent £82 million move to Atletico Madrid. The departure of the versatile Argentine forward has left a gap in City’s squad that Guardiola is eager to fill. Despite Erling Haaland’s dominance as City’s primary striker, Guardiola is looking for a backup option who can provide competition and depth.

Kyogo, who is under contract with Celtic until 2027, has emerged as a prime target. The 29-year-old Japanese international has been a standout performer for the Hoops since his arrival in July 2021, when he was signed by then-manager Ange Postecoglou for £4.5 million from Vissel Kobe. His goal-scoring prowess and versatility have made him an integral part of Celtic’s attack.

Guardiola has been impressed by Kyogo’s performances, particularly during Celtic’s 4-3 victory over Manchester City in a pre-season friendly in North Carolina. The Japanese striker found the net in that match, catching the attention of Guardiola and his coaching staff. Additionally, City’s assistant manager, Juanma Lillo, is well-acquainted with Kyogo, having coached him during their time together at Vissel Kobe.

Celtic, however, are not willing to part with their star striker without a substantial financial incentive. With Kyogo’s contract running until 2027, the Hoops are in a strong negotiating position and are expected to demand a massive fee from Manchester City. The transfer fee could potentially break records for a player moving from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League.

The timing of this potential transfer is also significant, with the summer transfer window set to close in just over a week. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who recently signed Adam Idah from Norwich City for £9.5 million, will be left scrambling to find a suitable replacement if Kyogo departs. Rodgers has previously expressed his desire to sign two players capable of leading the attack, with the third spot reserved for a player he could develop.

Losing Kyogo at this stage of the transfer window would be a major blow to Rodgers and Celtic’s ambitions for the season. The Japanese forward has been a key figure in Celtic’s success over the past two years, helping the club secure multiple domestic titles.

Kyogo’s potential exit, coupled with Matt O’Riley’s expected £25 million move to Brighton, could trigger a flurry of transfer activity at Celtic Park. The Hoops would likely need to reinvest the funds from these sales into the squad, with a focus on securing a frontline striker and potentially other reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut.

Celtic’s long-standing relationship with the City Football Group, the parent company of Manchester City, could also play a role in facilitating the transfer. However, the Hoops will be determined to secure the best possible deal for their star striker.

As the clock ticks down to the end of the transfer window, all eyes will be on Manchester City’s negotiations with Celtic. Guardiola’s desire for a backup striker, combined with Kyogo’s interest in a move to the Premier League, could see this transfer saga reach a dramatic conclusion in the coming days.

For Celtic fans, the prospect of losing Kyogo is a bitter pill to swallow. But with the club potentially receiving a significant transfer fee, the Hoops could be well-positioned to reinvest in their squad and continue their dominance in Scottish football. The next few days will be crucial in determining the future of Kyogo Furuhashi and the impact of his potential departure on both Celtic and Manchester City.