Chris Sutton’s Crystal Ball – No Kyogo, No Party

Chris Sutton has questioned the timing of Kyogo’s move to Rennes. With all to play for in the Champions League, it would have made more sense to leave in the summer…

Kyogo celebrates
UEFA Champions League Celtic Glasgow vs Young Boys Bern, Celtic Park. Goal celebration by Kyogo Furuhashi however VAR rules out the goal. Photo Joeran Steinsiek IMAGO

Given he was under contract until 2027, it was Celtic’s decision to make and one thing is for sure, Kyogo would still have given his all for the team. Sutton also says, quite rightly, the league is not yet won so why risk it?

Whilst on the subject of the fourth dimension, it’s interesting to recall what Chris Sutton said almost a year ago about Kyogo’s omission from the team:

“Brendan Rodgers has been outspoken about needing quality, yet he can’t find a way to get the best out of the highest-quality striker in the country. Now he’s been left out of the side. If that continues, could it lead to him inevitably looking to leave? Kyogo has gone from being the most-feared forward in Scotland to barely getting a chance in a game. It’s actually quite remarkable and, for me, it’s not got that much to do with the boy himself.

“It’s almost painful to see what has happened to the Japanese over the past few months. The guy scored 27 league goals in 31 starts last season. Eight in 21 this season. He is a difference maker. He’s shown it for two seasons as a big game player.”

Kyogo celebrates
UEFA Champions League Celtic Glasgow vs Young Boys Bern, Celtic Park. Goal celebration by Kyogo Furuhashi however VAR rules out the goal. Photo Joeran Steinsiek IMAGO

Some six months after Kyogo signed a new four year contract

Bear in mind, this is happening some six months after Kyogo signed a new four year contract, following the departure of Ange Postecoglou. Was this the time Kyogo first considered the possibility of leaving? Maybe, who knows, but what else could have triggered a transfer request? According to Brendan Rodgers, the request was made at the start of this season. I find that strange. Why wait until most of the transfer window has gone before submitting a request?

A number of pundits have speculated on the reason(s) for his imminent departure. The two favourites are that he’s looking for financial security or he wants to play in a top five European league to improve his chances of playing for Japan?

Kyogo
Kyogo Furuhashi scores a goal, which is later disallowed, during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

I’ve no doubt he is going for more money but I doubt that was his primary objective. With regard to the second possible reason, have a read at today’s post by Alex Gordon, which totally demolishes this. Rennes are two places and four points away from the relegation zone and are tied on points with Nantes for the relegation play off spot. So no European spot for them this season, just a relegation struggle.

I suspect Kyogo was unhappy with his treatment

On balance, I suspect Kyogo was unhappy with his treatment during the middle part of last season and at some point decided he would be better off leaving. Celtic thought the offer from Rennes was too good to refuse, particularly when our progression in Europe was confirmed. Also, there was a risk Rennes might not have come back in the summer with such a “good” offer, given their current relegation battle. This would appear to outweigh the footballing risks which Chris Sutton highlighted today.

Kyogo's goal is ruled out by VAR
Kyogo Furuhashi scoring a goal which is later disallowed following an offside decision during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

I am not having a pop at anyone

I am not having a pop at anyone, just trying to understand why he is leaving.

All this is fairly inconsequential. The reality is Kyogo is leaving unless he fails his medical. Maybe those wee bandy legs will put the kibosh on the deal! Whatever happens, we will all be sadder without him. Great player, great personalty, great loss.

No Kyogo, no party.

Chris Wotherspoon

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

4 Comments

  1. I believe that Brendan Rodgers was the main reason why Kyogo left. He changed the way he wanted him to play. Not enough balls coming in from wide to him. What nonsense Rodgers came out with when he said that he does not want Kyogo to score 40 goals but wants something else from him. Rodgers is still a theory manager. Also arrogant and completely unaware of it. Too much theory, and not enough common sense, just look at our first game in the C L. In their heart of hearts, Celric fans know the reason Kyogo is going. It’s Rodgers and no one or nothing else. Rodgers thinks he is a genius. He isn’t. Just look at the stupidity of signing a centre forward who doesn’t score in the signing of Idah for stupid money. Rodgers had one lucky season at Leicester and not much else. For all his talk and never forget how much he can talk he is the reason the greatest centre forward since Larson left. I just wish it was Rodgers that had keft.

    • To say Rodgers had one lucky season is totally wrong plus look what he has won at celtic.We don’t know what goes on in the background so I’m trusting our manager on this

  2. Sophie Johnstone on

    Kyogo changed agents a sure sign he was looking at a way out for a good while,his demeanour lately was that of a man who wanted away,
    The COVID season showed the folly of keeping players at the club who clearly don’t want to be here.Is Sutton really saying the titles still on the line,sounds like he’s finding an angle he can use for a headline then can show everyone how balanced he is.I wish Kyogo well of course but you don’t want to be here then goodbye

  3. It’s Rodgers, Lawell and indirectly, the fans who demanded Idah be signed after scoring a rebound in the cup final who have forced Kyogo out of the club.

    Rodgers didn’t sign him so can’t take the credit for his goals, hence the nonsense about getting Kyogo “more involved” in games.

    Lawell will never turn down any money for any player so 10million for a 30 year old to him is like a ticket to disneyland for a kid.

    The fans demanded Idah be signed due to one goal laat season, a classic case of heart ruling head. He was terrible in near every game he played whilst on loan with us and now that 9million outlay is dropping every game he has to sit on the bench and play second fiddle to Kyogo. That’s why Rodgers has been starting him more in recent games. Lawell needs money and Rodgers ego needs to have players he signed on the pitch.