Callum McGregor labels Kyogo a ‘modern day Celtic legend’ ahead of the 30 year-old’s impending departure…

Signing from J-League side Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, Kyogo Furuhashi notched up 85 goals in 165 appearances for Celtic winning eight trophies along the way under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers’ successful reigns.
A reported £10m move to Rennes in Ligue 1 awaits the Japanese striker, but his three-and-a-half-year spell at Celtic Park was quite simply a stunning period. Playing his final match in green and white Hoops on Wednesday night against Swiss champions BSC Young Boys in the Champions League, news of Kyogo’s departure came shortly after the final whistle much to the surprise of the Celtic support.

Jetting off on a private jet from Glasgow to Brittany on Thursday morning, Celtic now have the challenge of replacing their man from Japan in a relatively short period of time given the January transfer window shuts in a weeks’ time.
Post-match on Wednesday evening, skipper Callum McGregor was asked about Kyogo’s departure and the 31 year-old midfielder delivered a classy response.
Q: How will Kyogo be remembered?
Callum McGregor: “For big goals. Big games.”
Q: A legend?
Callum McGregor: “A modern day legend, definitely. He has been so important for the team. Whatever the case is, I know the club will have done everything they can to keep him. But if that [win against Young Boys on Wednesday]is to be his last game or whatever, then it’s been outstanding.”

For Kyogo’s remarkable spell at Paradise, McGregor has been captain. The duo has built up an intrinsic partnership on and off the pitch – key to the success of our trophy-laden dominance since the disastrous COVID season.
Conor Spence
