Celtic star Kyogo on final Man City shortlist for sensational transfer move

CELTIC star Kyogo Furuhashi has emerged as a shock target for Manchester City.

Kyogo, 29, has been dealing with a recurring shoulder injury recently but his form since arriving in Glasgow is unmatched.

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No one has scored more goals in the Scottish Premiership since Kyogo signed for Celts from Vissel Kobe in 2021 under Ange Postecoglou.

Now, according to multiple outlets including The Athletic and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Celtic fan favourite is being considered as a replacement option for Julián Alvarez, alongside one other unnamed player.

It’s understood City boss Pep Guardiola would also like someone who can occasionally fill in for Erling Haaland or Oscar Bobb and be happy to play perhaps only two in every 10 games.

Kyogo therefore could be viewed as both a winger AND a striker if a shock move the Etihad materialises.

Guardiola said in a press conference this week when asked about transfer news: “Maybe there are guys that it doesn’t matter with Erling (being the main striker).

“They will say ‘I accept the role and I will compete with him because I am better than him and I want to come’, we will see.

“That is why we will see the chances at the end of the market if a club needs to sell more than now for example.

“So I don’t know now coming to the market and knowing that we made a good transfer in terms of finances with Julián (Alvarez), people are waiting with the red carpet waiting to say come, come here and that is why you have to see what happens.

“The club has done well in the past. Many players didn’t come because the club didn’t pay what the other club wanted for that player. The club will continue to do what is fair.”

He added: “(I am looking for) a winger that can play forward… and play two out of 10 games.”

Of course, Guardiola had a close-up look at Kyogo when the two teams met in pre-season over in America – and the striker scored in the 4-3 win for Brendan Rodgers‘ men.

This isn’t the first time Kyogo has been linked with a move away from Celtic.

He signed a new contract last summer but that came weeks after SunSport had revealed interest from Tottenham and clubs from all FIVE of Europe’s top leagues.

Kyogo was also briefly linked with a return to Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds back in May.

The Japanese international recently changed agents, joining the CAA Base firm.

Base have three City players currently on their client list: Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis and Isaiah Dada-Mascoll.

Former City starlet Cole Palmer is another one on their roster as is Celtic loanee Marco Tilio, who they bought from City Group club Melbourne City and have since loaned him back to them.

SunSport columnist Kris Boyd is sure Kyogo would fit right in at City.

The Rangers legend told Sky Sports News: “He’s obviously struggling with his shoulder right now, but since he’s come to Scotland he’s been outstanding.

“I imagine with Manchester City he’d probably be back-up but of course he could do a job with his movement, his pace, his work rate.

“With Celtic, there are links with Reo Hatate to Leicester and Matt O’Riley to Brighton.

“I think Celtic will bring players in but the biggest transfer in Scotland could be what happens with O’Riley.

“He’s been outstanding and he’s pivotal to the way Celtic play.

“Brendan Rodgers won’t want to lose him but he understands the model at Celtic.”

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