Why Manchester City Are Interested In Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo Furuhashi may not be a household name outside of Scotland and Japan, but to those familiar with him, he’s widely regarded as an exceptional striker. Celtic’s transfer model, which focuses on developing players and selling them for a profit, might reach new heights with Manchester City interested in the Japanese forward.
At 29 years old, Kyogo has become a key figure for the Hoops, with his goals and energy driving the team forward since joining in July 2021. However, given his age, if Celtic were to consider selling their talisman, they would likely need a significant offer to justify parting with such an important player.
Kyogo is a fan favourite, and despite the Bhoys signing Adam Idah for a reported £8.5 million, the second-highest in the club’s history, Idah is still very much second choice to the Japanese striker at the time of writing, highlighting just how highly he is valued at Celtic. Despite criticism from those outside Scotland regarding the quality of the Scottish Premiership, and with Celtic having considerable financial advantages over the rest of the league, Kyogo has proven himself at the highest level.
In the Champions League last season, Kyogo scored two goals in six group stage games, despite Celtic finishing bottom of their group. His goals came against Atletico Madrid and Lazio, who ultimately finished first and second in the group, highlighting his ability to compete and score against top-level European opposition.
Kyogo’s profile and skillset
Playing as either a striker, second striker, or left winger, Kyogo has demonstrated impressive flexibility when called upon to shift positions due to injuries. His main strengths are his pace in behind, finishing, and pressing ability.
He loves making runs behind opposition defenders, which is why he has thrived in tightly contested matches against teams like Atletico Madrid and Rangers. Kyogo’s ability to exploit defensive gaps and apply relentless pressure on opponents makes him a constant threat, particularly in high-stakes games.
The Japanese forward’s ability in the air is often underrated. Despite standing at just 5”7, he has scored several headed goals, thanks to his exceptional movement and timing. Considering the height and physicality of Scottish defenders, this is quite an achievement.
FotMob data supports Kyogo’s impressive performance last season in the Scottish Premiership. Although his Expected Goals (xG) after 2,500 minutes was 0.69, reflecting his potential to score, he also made significant defensive contributions, completing 1.15 blocks per 90 minutes and achieving 1.04 recoveries per 90. These figures highlight both his attacking threat and his work rate.
Playing in a possession-dominant side like Celtic, Kyogo takes a lot of shots, which would be beneficial at a club like Manchester City. He averaged 3.64 shots per 90 minutes and 1.33 shots on target per game, demonstrating his ability to get into goal-scoring positions and test the goalkeeper frequently.
Kyogo’s numbers in the Champions League differed from his Scottish Premiership statistics. He had an Expected Goals (xG) of 0.30 per 90 minutes and averaged 1.99 shots per 90, with 1.00 on target. While these figures are not as impressive as his domestic league numbers, they are understandable given that Celtic finished bottom of their group.
This meant Kyogo often faced more defensive pressure and less attacking support compared to what he experienced in the Scottish Premiership, which likely impacted his Champions League performance. However, his defensive output in the Champions League was also respectable, with 0.80 blocks per 90 minutes and 0.60 recoveries per 90. Despite facing tougher opposition and spending more time defending due to Celtic’s group stage struggles, Kyogo’s contributions in these areas demonstrate his commitment to both ends of the pitch.
On-the-ball qualities
On the ball, Kyogo has certainly improved over the past year. Under Brendan Rodgers, who seeks more link-up play from his strikers compared to the previous head coach, Ange Postecoglou, the Celtic striker has worked hard on his first touch and ball retention. This focus on enhancing his ability to hold the ball up and link play has been a key aspect of his development, allowing him to contribute more effectively in build-up situations and integrate better with teammates.
One obvious area of improvement is Kyogo’s successful passes per 90 minutes. Last season in the Scottish Premiership, he completed 7.67 passes per 90, up from 5.65 the previous season. Additionally, he created 0.86 chances per 90, compared to just 0.35 the year before under Ange Postecoglou. This increase in passing accuracy and chance creation reflects his enhanced link-up play and adaptability to Brendan Rodgers’ tactical demands.
This improvement in build-up play would certainly bode well for Kyogo at Manchester City. Like Brendan Rodgers, Pep Guardiola values his strikers being heavily involved in build-up play, often requiring them to drop deep, take the ball, and move defenders out of position.
Kyogo’s ability to adapt to a fluid possession system aligns well with Guardiola’s style, making him a promising fit for a team that emphasises intricate attacking football. His improved link-up play and ball retention could prove invaluable in such a system, enabling him to contribute effectively both as a goal-scorer and as a key player in maintaining the team’s attacking possession football.
Why Kyogo is an ideal signing for The Cityzens
With Julián Álvarez departing Manchester City, the Cityzens are in desperate need of a backup striker. Kyogo Furuhashi could be an ideal fit for this role. He brings proven goals in the Champions League and has experience playing in a possession-based system, similar to Guardiola’s style.
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The Japanese striker’s ability to thrive in a team that dominates domestic football and excels in pressing will mean he could fit in greatly under the Spaniard. Kyogo’s skills align well with the Spaniard’s tactical approach, making him a strong candidate to adapt quickly and contribute effectively to Manchester City’s unique style of play.
Some might be scratching their heads in confusion over why Manchester City are interested in Kyogo, but there are compelling reasons for the move. Few backup strikers in world football come with such an accomplished CV, and Kyogo’s humility is a significant asset.
His willingness to play a supporting role to Erling Haaland, combined with his proven track record and adaptability, makes him a valuable addition. His ability to integrate into a high-press, possession-based system and contribute effectively when called upon highlights why City might see him as a strong option.
By: Michael Shearer / @MichaelcShearer
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Craig Williamson – SNS Group