Celtic enter the market with a clear idea of where they need to strengthen and could now turn to a recognisable name to solve their quest to land another centre-forward, according to a report.
Celtic’s quest to add attacking firepower
Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda ended the campaign as Celtic’s only two senior centre-forward options, while Johnny Kenny came in from the cold to supplement their output from the bench.
Late attempts in January to secure a striker fell through, despite the Bhoys’ failed pursuit of Danny Ings from West Ham United following Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure to Rennes.
Nevertheless, the calculated decision to stick with what they had at the time has allowed more time to make sure the right man arrives to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ pool of attacking talent.
Youssef El Kachati was mooted as a Celtic target. However, the former Morocco Under-23 international looks set to join NEC Nijmegen under freedom of contract on a three-year deal from Telstar.
Rodgers could potentially be left with more work to do on that front if Fenerbache or Tottenham step up their interest in Japanese forward Maeda. Both clubs are keen to deal him in, though have been told a fee in excess of £21 million is required for his services.
Related
Brentford set to go at Celtic with £60m Mbeumo windfall to sign “breathtaking” star
The Bhoys are set to witness movement in both directions this summer…
Left-back, centre midfield and on the flanks have been mooted as areas of the field where Celtic could look to enact squad surgery, whetting the appetite for a summer of significance before they enter the Champions League qualifiers at the playoff phase.
Encountering a quick turnaround, the Bhoys may now look to a former player who is available on the market to add some expertise in front of goal.
Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi wants to return to Parkhead
According to reports in France, Celtic are ‘ready’ to offer an olive branch to former striker Furuhashi following his frustrating spell at Rennes, where he has yet to score in six appearances.
The Ligue 1 outfit are set to part ways with the 30-year-old this summer, and it is now said that the Bhoys icon is in favour of completing a sensational return to Parkhead. However, Bournemouth are also lurking in the distance and could submit an offer.
|
Kyogo Furuhashi’s excellent time at Celtic |
|
|
Appearances |
165 |
|
Goals |
85 |
|
Assists |
19 |
Rennes boss Habib Beye is set to omit Furuhashi from his pre-season plans and will put him up for sale after he failed to live up to expectations at Roazhon Park.
Labelled “excellent” by Rodgers, he made his move to France for roughly £10 million mid-season, though he has only completed 120 minutes of football, coming mostly as a substitute.
Truthfully, it did seem like a strange move in January for the Nara-born man in light of his new club’s close brush with relegation, but a swift exit would suit all parties, including the player and his desire to be considered for Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Whether he could achieve that feat at Celtic remains to be seen. Either way, the prospect of Furuhashi returning to Glasgow’s east end could soon become a reality.
