As Celtic gears up for the new Premiership season, there’s growing buzz around Parkhead. Kyogo Furuhashi, the beloved Celtic striker, has candidly described last season as “frustrating,” adding to speculation about a potential move to Urawa Red Diamonds.
Furuhashi has been a standout figure at Celtic Park since Ange Postecoglou brought him to the Scottish Premiership in 2021. His impressive tenure continued last season under Brendan Rodgers, where he helped secure a third consecutive league title and the Scottish Cup, adding two more winners’ medals to his collection. However, the 29-year-old has admitted he fell short of his personal goals.
In a recent interview on Daisuke Nasu’s ‘Sushi Talk’ YouTube channel, Kyogo reflected on his season: “It was a challenging year. Compared to the previous season, I didn’t score as many goals. There were times when I couldn’t play or had to start in the middle of matches. It was frustrating, but the season wasn’t defined by that frustration. Changing my position broadened my game, and I gained valuable experience. I think I’ve grown and taken a step forward.”
These comments come amid reports linking Kyogo with a move to the financially powerful Urawa Red Diamonds. Japanese sources have suggested that Urawa is preparing a significant bid to bring him back to the J-League, especially after David Moberg’s departure to Aris Thessaloniki freed up wages for new acquisitions.
However, it’s unlikely that Brendan Rodgers will approve a deal. Rodgers has expressed a desire for more striking options rather than fewer, aiming to have three forwards in his squad for the upcoming season. With Oh Hyeon-gyu and Rocco Vata having already left, and a potential return for Adam Idah still uncertain, Rodgers has made it clear he wants Kyogo to stay. During Celtic’s pre-season tour of America, he stated: “Ideally, I’d like to have three strikers—Kyogo, one more, and a young player coming through.”
As the new season approaches, the fate of Kyogo and Celtic’s attacking lineup remains one to watch closely.
