Celtic’s Decision to Sell Kyogo Furuhashi Sends a Troubling Signal About Their Ambitions
The news that Celtic has sold Kyogo Furuhashi to Stade Rennes has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. The Japanese striker’s departure has left many scratching their heads, wondering why the Scottish champions would choose to offload one of their most potent attacking threats midway through the season.
Former Celtic player Chris Sutton has been vocal in his criticism of the decision, arguing that it sends a troubling signal about the club’s ambitions. “Selling Kyogo feels like Celtic have just put their hands up and admitted there’s a ceiling on their Champions League ambitions,” Sutton said. “That the end of the road has been reached in Europe this term, whilst an unnecessary risk has been taken at home.”
Sutton’s concerns are not unfounded. Kyogo has been a revelation since joining Celtic, scoring crucial goals and providing a spark in attack that has been missing since Henrik Larsson’s departure. His sale has left a gaping hole in the team, and it remains to be seen whether the club can find a suitable replacement.
The timing of the sale is also puzzling. With Celtic still in the running for the Champions League and the Scottish Premiership title, one would think that the club would want to keep their best players. Instead, they have chosen to cash in on Kyogo, reportedly for a fee of £10 million.
While some may argue that the fee is a good one for a 30-year-old player, Sutton is not convinced. “You can tell me that £10 million is a good fee for a 30-year-old all you like, but that’s nothing in the modern game for a game-changer,” he said. “And, incidentally, 30 is not old. Look at Mo Salah down the road at Liverpool, and it’s not as if Celtic are like Rangers and need the money.”
Sutton’s comments highlight the concerns that many Celtic fans have about the club’s ambition. With the team performing well in Europe and domestically, one would think that the club would be looking to strengthen their squad, not weaken it.
The sale of Kyogo has also raised questions about the club’s transfer policy. With the team in need of a new striker, one would think that the club would have a replacement lined up. Instead, it appears that the club is relying on players like Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda to fill the void left by Kyogo’s departure.
While both players have shown promise, they are not yet at the same level as Kyogo. Idah, in particular, has struggled to make an impact, and Maeda is not a natural center-forward.
The club’s decision to re-sign Jota has also been met with skepticism. While Jota was a fan favorite during his previous stint at the club, he has struggled to make an impact since leaving Celtic. Sutton has expressed his doubts about Jota’s hunger and desire to prove himself again.
The sale of Kyogo Furuhashi has sent a troubling signal about Celtic’s ambitions. With the team performing well in Europe and domestically, one would think that the club would be looking to strengthen their squad, not weaken it. The timing of the sale is also puzzling, and it remains to be seen whether the club can find a suitable replacement.
As Sutton so aptly put it, “It’s like a hands-up. Put it this way, I couldn’t imagine Henrik Larsson being sold midway through our run to Seville. Kyogo’s an enormous loss, and Celtic must have a top-class replacement lined up.”