Celtic have made a habit of bringing back former players in recent times and could now do the same again once the summer window rolls around, according to pundit Paul Slane.
Celtic’s summer transfer business is already underway
When discussing the Bhoys’ summer business, Kieran Tierney’s impending arrival at Parkhead on a free transfer is a topic worth delving into.
The Scotland international could potentially win a Champions League trophy at Arsenal before heading back to his boyhood club, representing quite the coup for Brendan Rodgers ahead of next season.
Greg Taylor could be Tierney’s direct competitor at Celtic if negotiations over a new deal for the former Kilmarnock man prove successful, potentially leaving Jeffrey Schlupp’s future up in the air amid his contract being set to expire at parent club Crystal Palace.
Intriguingly, Tierney isn’t the only player Rodgers has opted to bring back during his tenure. Portuguese icon Jota made a shock move from Rennes in January after only six months at the Ligue 1 outfit.
Since pitching up in Glasgow’s east end for a second time, the 26-year-old has registered five goals and two assists in 13 appearances across all competitions, reminding supporters of his supreme quality on the flank.
Related
Celtic could now lose youth talent to Premier League outfit in summer deal
The Bhoys could lose another young star.
Ultimately, talented stars who gain admiration from elsewhere will mostly move on from Celtic at some point. That is a fact of life for any Scottish Premiership club, but the fact that they have been able to re-capture their services later down the line is a testament to the Bhoys’ recruitment department.
Of course, you don’t want a strategy that becomes entirely contingent on heroes of the past, but Slane suspects that Celtic could repeat the trick this summer.
Celtic backed to re-sign Kyogo Furuhashi this summer
Speaking on Open Goal (59:40), former Celtic man Slane rejected a suggestion entertained by Tony Watt insinuating Heart of Midlothian striker Lawrence Shankland could be targeted to bolster the Bhoys’ forward line.
Instead, he believes his old side should look at potentially swooping for Kyogo Furuhashi after his move to Rennes in January, where he has yet to score inside six top-flight appearances.
Initially, Watt stated when asked on the possibility of Shankland coming to Celtic: “Celtic probably need another number nine now, don’t they? Because the boy Kenny’s not really going to sniff. Somebody that scored 25 goals, I don’t think it would be the worst.”
Replying to his opinion, Slane then added: “The reason I’ll say no is I would have a wee sniff at bringing Kyogo back. It will be the same as Tierney and Jota and you’ll get him for less than you sold him. It will be a great bit of business.”
Labelled “excellent” by Celtic boss Rodgers, Furuhashi scored 85 times in 165 matches for the Bhoys and established himself as a fan favourite among supporters while leading the line at Parkhead.
However, he sought a new challenge and most supporters would likely want a new name to come into the fold this summer, given the need for fresh additions with future sell-on value.
