Celtic F.C

‘Open for business’ – Celtic told popular player could return, just like Jota and Kieran Tierney

Published

1 week ago

March 24, 2025

Celtic’s transfer strategy has long been admired, but their recent buy, sell, and re-buy approach has taken their business acumen to another level.

Jota’s £25m sale to Saudi Arabia, only to return 18 months later for a fraction of that fee, was a masterstroke. Now, Kieran Tierney is expected to rejoin Celtic for free, six years after his lucrative Arsenal move.

With Jota already proving his worth again, the idea of bringing back former stars is no longer a gamble—it’s a calculated move. And now, Kyogo Furuhashi could be next.

Andy Walker Backs Kyogo’s Celtic Return

Kyogo’s move to Rennes shocked many. The timing wasn’t great, and the club choice raised eyebrows—trading Celtic’s dominance for a relegation battle in Ligue 1 never made much sense.

And now, former Celtic striker Andy Walker believes the door is open for Kyogo’s return, just as it was for Jota and Tierney.

“Would Celtic bring him back? They brought Jota back. They brought Kieran Tierney back. If they got a good business deal, I am sure they would be open for business,” Walker said on Go Radio.

Walker emphasized that Kyogo’s presence was sorely missed in the recent Old Firm clash against Rangers and that, given his past contributions, he would have been a starter.

“He has been one of Celtic’s main strengths for the last number of months. If Kyogo was there, you would start him,” he added.

Would Kyogo Fit Back Into Rodgers’ Plans?

Celtic invested £9m in Adam Idah, and Daizen Maeda has adapted well as a central forward, but neither has truly filled Kyogo’s void.

Maeda’s work rate is unmatched, but he’s been forced to switch between striker and winger, which isn’t sustainable long-term. Idah has promise, but he’s not yet the finished article.

Kyogo, on the other hand, is a proven 20-goal-a-season forward. If Celtic can secure him for a cut-price fee, it would be a no-brainer.

Would Kyogo Accept a Pay Cut?

One sticking point could be Kyogo’s salary. Walker acknowledged that he likely moved to Rennes for financial reasons, but if Celtic are serious about a return, a structured deal could work.

“Would he get that salary here? Maybe, if he was playing regularly,” Walker said.

Given his struggles in France, Kyogo may prioritize playing time and success over wages. If he’s serious about making Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad, Celtic offers the perfect platform—Champions League football, trophies, and regular game time.

Celtic Wouldn’t Have Sold Kyogo If the Title Race Was Closer

Walker also suggested that if the title race had been tighter, Celtic wouldn’t have risked selling Kyogo.

At the time of his departure, Celtic had a comfortable lead at the top. Walker believes that if it had been just a two or three-point gap, Kyogo would have stayed in Glasgow.

“I don’t think Kyogo would have been sold had there been a two or three-point gap. But, the gap was so big, that you can afford to do it,” Walker explained.

Will Celtic Pull Off Another Transfer Masterclass?

If Celtic can re-sign Kyogo for a fraction of the £10m they sold him for, it would be yet another shrewd business move.

With Jota and Tierney already making their way back, Kyogo’s return makes perfect sense. His goal-scoring instinct, experience, and deep connection with the fans would instantly boost Celtic’s firepower as they look to maintain dominance in Scotland and compete in Europe.

It’s only a matter of time before the Kyogo-to-Celtic rumors turn into reality—and when they do, it will be yet another stroke of genius from the Parkhead hierarchy.