Atlanta United are considering a fresh bid to sign Celtic striker Kyogo, with reports suggesting the MLS side are prepared to offer £10 million for the Japan international. [MailSport]
Despite their interest, Celtic have shown little willingness to entertain any approach, maintaining their firm stance on keeping one of their key players.
Deila’s Atlanta Rebuild
Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila, now at the helm of Atlanta United, has set his sights on bolstering the squad following his recent appointment. With Chris Henderson joining as chief soccer officer and CEO Garth Lagerwey promising high-profile moves in the new year, the American side appear eager to make a statement in the transfer market.
The designated player slot in MLS allows clubs to sign top-tier talent on wages far above the league average, and Kyogo would undoubtedly fit into that category. However, the Japan international recently committed to a four-year deal with Celtic, earning £20,000 per week until 2027.
Celtic’s Determination to Keep Their Star
Atlanta’s interest isn’t new. The MLS side were heavily linked with Kyogo last summer, but Celtic held firm, prioritising their Champions League campaign. While there was some speculation of interest from Manchester City, Atlanta emerged as the most serious suitors.
Since his arrival in 2021 under Ange Postecoglou, the Celtic striker has been a revelation. Kyogo has been a key figure and while he’s not been prolific this year he adds real quality to the team.
January Move Unlikely
With Kyogo set to turn 30 next month, an offer in the region of £10 million would undoubtedly give Celtic something to think about. However, a January departure remains highly unlikely. The club are focused on maintaining momentum in the league and their Champions league campaign if which Celtic still have two matches of the league phase to go in January.
The Japan international’s contributions remain vital to Celtic’s ambitions, and the prospect of losing their top striker mid-season is one the club are unlikely to entertain. Unless Brendan Rodgers felt he had someone lined up to replace him.
With ourselves only allowed to make 3 changes to our original 25man CL squad, then kyogo would seem highly unlikely to be 1 of those changes imo?
Of course we have to still make sure of our knockout place first, and this after hopefully getting the “Proper 55” title secured at the shithole on the 2nd January?
The main priority was always going to be a wide player, but even getting one in early in January, would still only making them eligible for the knockout phase?
Plenty of work to be negotiated both on and off the park during the month of January, for all concerned imo?