Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi has reacted to speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League...
What's the talk?
Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi has admitted that he is aiming to play well enough in Scotland to earn a transfer to the Premier League.
The Japan international has referenced the fact that players have made the move in the past and he believes that his form could open the door for him to follow in their footsteps.
He told Japanese commentator Takashi Mizunuma, via journalist Dan Orlowitz:
“Many players go from Scotland to the EPL; it’s motivating to see (Takehiro Tomiyasu) do well. Good results could open that path for me … but I have to get results to survive at (Celtic) & Japan National Team … I want to do the best I can and contribute to (both) teams."
Ange would be livid
Celtic could now face a nightmare scenario in the January window following these comments from Kyogo. Premier League side Southampton are reportedly eyeing up a swoop for the forward after his impressive start to life in Scotland and that could ask serious questions of the club midway through the campaign.
Furuhasi's aforementioned quotes appear to suggest that he is keen on a transfer to England at some point in his career, hinting that he is attempting to impress for Celtic to attract interest from clubs down south. However, he may have already been able to achieve this goal as the Saints are now potentially ready to swoop for him in the winter market.
Ange Postecoglou would surely be livid if Furuhashi completes a switch to the Premier League after half of a season at Celtic. The attacker has made an immediate impact in Glasgow and his exit would be a major blow to the club and Postecoglou.
Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson lauded the dynamo earlier this season, hailing him as 'quite special'. He told The Sunday Post [05/09 print edition, via 67HailHail]:
"There is no doubt Celtic have landed someone quite special in Kyogo. His movement is outstanding.
“It was a pity he couldn’t get more involved against Rangers, but when he moved into the central role, he was an absolute menace to their defence.
“Having him gives Celtic a real chance of winning the league this season.”
Furuhashi has scored eight goals in 11 games for the Hoops and has shown that he has the quality to score goals on a regular basis. This is why Celtic must avoid selling him in the January window, as Postecoglou would be furious if his main goalscoring option departed so soon after joining.
If the interest in his services from Southampton is serious and the player wants to chase his Premier League dream, the club should work hard to convince him to see out the 2021/22 campaign at least before pursuing opportunities next summer. This way, Celtic could enjoy his talent for the entire season and they would have more time in 2022 to source a replacement.
AND in other news, 100% duels lost: £16k-p/w Celtic dud failed to take golden opportunity to impress Ange...