Journalist Keith Jackson has claimed Peter Lawwell had concerns over Kyogo’s exit, adding another angle to the ongoing debate around Celtic’s transfer decisions.
The journalist reports that the former chairman was uneasy at the time of the Japanese striker’s sale, mainly due to the lack of a ready replacement. The move went through in January 2025, with Celtic finishing the season without bringing in a direct alternative for that role.
At the time, it did not hurt the Hoops drastically. Celtic went on to win the title comfortably under Brendan Rodgers, which eased any pressure around the decision. However, they ultimately lost out on the treble to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final on penalties, and arguably, if Kyogo had stayed, Celtic could have reached the last 16 of the Champions League after narrowly exiting the play-off round against Bayern at the Allianz Arena.
But the issue has come back into greater focus this season. With no settled option leading the line, the absence of a player with Kyogo’s movement and finishing has been more obvious.
Jackson wrote: (Daily Record), “As a matter of fact, behind closed doors, former chairman Peter Lawwell expressed some deeply held concerns over that decision to cash in on the Japanese international without having a ready-made replacement lined up.
“At the time, Lawwell was worried about the impact Kyogo’s loss might have had on what was left of last season’s top flight campaign.
“But, while ultimately his worst fears were proven to be misplaced when Brendan Rodgers secured the title with plenty to spare, Kyogo’s sale can now be ringed in red pen as the start of something much more catastrophic.”
The claim itself suggests the information has come from someone close to the club. That then raises another question. If those concerns existed, why was the deal pushed through without a proper replacement already in place?
That decision is at the centre of the current debate. Celtic didn’t lose their hold on the league at the time, but the shape of the squad has changed dramatically since then. The striker role looks different now, and the team has had to adjust in the final third.
The timeline is also worth noting. Lawwell has stepped down since, and Rodgers left earlier this season. That leaves things unclear, with those involved no longer around to properly explain it.
Celtic sold a proven striker and didn’t bring in a like-for-like replacement. It didn’t hurt them right away, but the longer-term impact is now being looked at more closely as the title race tightens.
the usual lies from the board as season ticket renewals come around.
Dementia must be setting in for Peter Liewell. Kyogo wanted to leave and we sold him for £10 million and never replaced him. We had to turge it out with Johnny Kenny and Adam Idah for the rest of the campaign under Brendan.
The board have decimated the Celtic squad on their own doing. Went from Byern Munich to losing 2 cups in a row.
Lawwell gave us Wilfried Nancy.
2 European cup finals for Rangers since 2004. The Lawwell legacy.
Keeping Celtic on their knees in Europe since 2004.
Sack the board. We’re taking our club and country back this year.
End the corruption our beloved Celtic football club. Trousering the money and burying it under the heated driveway of Peter Lawwell. Cronyism and corruption keeping Celtic on their knees.
Our eyes are fixed on European adventure and glory.
Lawwell’s eyes are fixed on succulent lamb dinners at the UEFA talking shops.
The fans want a new Celtic Park. The fans want the modernisation of Celtic.
Lawwell and Desmond are against progress. The Kelly and the Whites 2.0
It’s time to sell up and let us flourish on a new stage.
Lawwell can be credited for nine in a row and domestic success. He can point to a positive balance sheet. But the ordinary fan pays more to watch Celtic than most clubs in Europe. We’re from Glasgow we’re working class.
We’ve gone from beating Manchester United and Barcelona to losing to Khazakstan. What should have been. What should have been. If only they spend the 70 million.
We demand the best. The Lisbon Lions live forever. Let us dream with Martin O’Neill.