Brendan Rodgers addressed rumours linking Kyogo Furuhashi with a move to Atlanta United post-match this afternoon match in Dingwall.
With the MLS website accidentally posting an article midweek during Celtic’s win over Dundee United at Celtic Park, stating that Kyogo Furuhashi had signed for Atlanta, managed by former Hoops boss Ronny Deila, as a designated player, the story was immediately taken down, with an apology later issued to Celtic and the Japanese striker.
Celtic’s manager Ronny Deila
Action Images via Reuters / Graham Stuart
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To make the story even more confusing, Atlanta signed a Japanese striker, Cayman Togashi, the same day, who had previously played for Sagan Tosu and Yokohama F. Marinos.
With Atlanta still reportedly interested in a £10 million move for Kyogo, Rodgers addressed the Hoops striker’s future at the club.
When asked ‘There’s been a wee bit of chat recently about Kyogo maybe going. I take it you’re adamant you want him here?’
He said: (The Celtic Way), “Yeah, all the players. We want to improve the squad and develop the squad. So that’s nice. His goals today, that’s what he’s all about. Great runs, in round the box and getting his finish.”
A clear message from Rodgers to Celtic supporters, who have voiced their desire to keep Kyogo at all costs.
He is undoubtedly Celtic’s top striker, and despite at times dropping deep and moving out wide this afternoon, he still managed to bag a brace.
Without his goals in Dingwall, Celtic might not have won the game, given how long it took the Hoops to find their second goal through him.
Kyogo has proven to be one of Celtic’s best strikers since Henrik Larsson, and despite a changing role under Rodgers over the last year, he has still bounced back time and time again with big goals to silence his critics.
Proved how lethal he had a partner up beside him good to see another forward
Kyogo’s drop in goal contributions happened when Abada and Jota moved on, signifying that it’s not Kyogo but the service to him from the wings that’s been lacking. He’s always dangerous, and gifted. We definitely want to keep Kyogo. Adam Idah, on the other hand, is certainly not showing himself to be anywhere close to a £9m striker. He’s not exactly setting the heather on fire, or even displaying moments of brilliance to hint that a better player is lurking beneath the average. I think Celtic could have done a lot better in the market for £9m than Adam Idah.