Chris Sutton firmly believes that Celtic should resist any attempts to sell Kyogo Furuhashi this summer, despite circulating rumors about his potential departure. Reports have linked Kyogo with a move to the Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds, sparking widespread speculation regarding his future. According to the Daily Mail, the rumors have gained traction throughout the week.
Kyogo has been a prolific scorer for Celtic, netting 19 goals last season. Although this tally falls short of the 34 goals he scored in the previous season, his contributions remain crucial to Brendan Rodgers’ squad. His performance in high-stakes matches, particularly the Premier League derbies against Rangers, where he scored pivotal goals, and his impactful displays in the UEFA Champions League against teams like Atletico Madrid and Lazio, highlight his ability to perform on the grandest stages.
Given his impressive track record, it is unsurprising that other clubs are interested in acquiring Kyogo. However, Chris Sutton advises Celtic to resist the temptation to sell. In an interview with the Daily Record on January 6, 2006, Sutton emphasized the importance of retaining key players for the Champions League and criticized the rumored offers from Japanese clubs as insufficient. He suggested that even a significant offer, such as £8 million, would not justify Kyogo’s departure given his value to the team.
Despite some opinions that Kyogo’s performance last season did not match the heights of his initial seasons, he still managed to score 20 goals, demonstrating his worth as an exceptional signing for Celtic. Sutton underscores that Kyogo’s contributions extend beyond mere goal tally. His ability to deliver in critical moments, such as derby games, cup finals, and European competitions, makes him invaluable. Celtic should never entertain the idea of selling him, as his worth to the team surpasses any potential transfer fee.
Kyogo is integral to Celtic’s strategic vision and maintaining balance within the squad. Some football pundits argue that selling a player at their peak can yield funds for future investments before they begin to decline. However, for a club like Celtic, competing for multiple trophies domestically and in Europe, preserving team stability and continuity is paramount.
Sutton’s perspective is clear: selling Kyogo now would be ill-advised, particularly since it would not result in a substantial financial gain. Unless Kyogo explicitly desires to leave, he should remain with Celtic. His technical skills, quick thinking, and big-game mentality make him a vital asset. Rather than depleting the team’s talent pool, Celtic should harness Kyogo’s abilities to enhance their prospects in the forthcoming season.
Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood’s future appears to be heading in a different direction. It is reported that his plans to continue in Spain next season have been disrupted. The forward is expected to leave Manchester United permanently this summer, with Juventus emerging as the frontrunner for his signature.
Greenwood had a successful loan spell at Getafe last year, making 36 appearances, scoring 10 goals, and providing 6 assists. His performance has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe. With only one year left on his contract at Old Trafford and concerns about his reception in England, a permanent move away seems imminent.
Getafe is keen to retain the versatile forward, and Atletico Madrid is also monitoring his situation closely. Although Barcelona has been linked with Greenwood, a move to Camp Nou for the 2024–25 season appears unlikely according to Sun Sport.
Juventus is currently considered the most probable destination for Greenwood. The Serie A club has shown consistent interest, sending scouts to watch him play for Getafe. Juventus believes that Greenwood’s skills will adapt well to the demanding nature of Italian football and that he can play a pivotal role in their quest for domestic glory.
Should Greenwood secure a move to Juventus, he will aim to prove his worth to Thiago Motta’s team and possibly earn a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Despite Southgate’s current stance of not including Greenwood, the player remains hopeful of representing his country on the international stage once again.