Frank McAvennie’s Kyogo Unfinished Business Claim

“Kyogo won’t be here forever, but I think he’s still got unfinished business”, Frank McAvennie…

Celtic v Livingston – Kyogo Furuhashi scores the third goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Wednesday February 1, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan

With rumours gathering in recent days about English Premier League interest in our star man, Kyogo Furuhashi, former Hoops hero, Frank McAvennie has claimed that the Japanese international has ‘unfinished business’ at Celtic Park and he can’t see the forward leaving anytime soon.

Having hit 22 goals this season already, with 19 of those coming in the Scottish Premiership so far. He is enjoying a really productive period at this moment in time the former Vissel Kobe forward, and his injury against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup Fifth Round was bitterly disappointing considering his form. But knowing Kyogo, he will want to be back as soon as possible and will be working towards the Viaplay League Cup Final this month.

Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Mirren FC at Celtic Park on January 18, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

McAvennie has been speaking to Football Insider and commented on the recent links with other clubs down the road. Despite his great knack for scoring of late and his general all-round play, the club legend reckons that Kyogo will stay put for the time being. When asked directly about his departure, he replied: “I don’t think so.

“I think everyone in that Celtic team is capable of moving to the Premier League. But it’s the same as Postecoglou, I can’t see it happening yet. You can never say never in football. Kyogo won’t be here forever, but I think he’s still got unfinished business. It’s a good sign when the manager and his players are being targeted.

Celtic v Greenock Morton – Scottish Cup – Fourth Round – Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring the second goal of the game during the Scottish Cup fourth round match at Celtic Park, Saturday January 21, 2023. Photo Jane Barlow

“You want that because it means they’re doing well. This Celtic team are all having fun and they’re so together at the moment. I’m sure his pace would frighten people in the Premier League. But I’m not sure he has the strength to play in England.”

Whilst he is probably spot on about Kyogo having unfinished business and wanting to stay put and win more things with Celtic and possibly make more impact in the UEFA Champions League group stage, the Bhoys icon is way off in his appraisal of Furuhashi’s strength and durability. The wee fella has proved his robustness several times since his arrival in Scottish football and would have no bother coping in England.

Paul Gillespie