2021- K.Furuhashi | 2022- R.Hatate | T. Iwata 2023 | D.Maeda | 2023- Y.Kobayashi @ Celtic F.C. (SCO)

I hope he would have the same impact as the legendary Nakamura. Very excited for this news.

 

Surprising news.
The new Celtic coach may be quite fond of Japanese players.

 

I guess during his tenure at Marinos, he liked what he saw in Furuhashi.

 

I am excited to see Celtic with another Japanese player. There's been loads of speculations that Postecoglou will bring some players that had caught his eye during his stay in Japan, and here's the first one.

It must be noted that the media had no idea that negotiations were ongoing, which is not true when Celtic go for transfers in Europe. It takes a lot of time, and transfer bids often result in failure.

 

I checked and there were rumors that Postecoglou tried to get Mitoma or Ao Tanaka before they were official signed by other teams.
Who knows, may be he's still interested and for next few years he would build an exciting Japanese-inspired team in Europe.

 

With Mitoma signed by Brighton and loaned to Belgium for one season, he probably can join Celtic on-loan after his journey in Belgium, as Scotland has less strict work permit process than England.

If Mitoma does well at Celtic, he can be either sold permanently to Celtic or any other club for top European leagues (perhaps a top 10 English Premier League team) for more than 10 million GBP.

This can be a really smart investment by Brighton to acquire the services of a player and then get more than double of the money they paid for him in the space of 2-3 years without the need of having the player playing for them.

 

In the last years Celtic has always been first or second, which allows it to enter the CL in the third respectively second qualifying round stage.

 

Kyogo Furihashi is in the first match-day squad for Celtic vs. Hearts.

He is named among the substitutes, and may come off the bench tonight and make his debut.

📋 The team news is in for our #cinchPrem season opener! ✅

𝗖𝗢𝗬𝗕𝗜𝗚 🍀🟢#HEACEL | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/tf7TZ7oezJ

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 31, 2021

 

Starts now in the EL qualifiers!

 

He's a champ, no doubts.

 

Positive reviews all around. Our main striker has been so disinterested for about 2 years, but Kyogo is trying much harder, and has the focus needed to contribute. Considering his versatility, swapping positions with the other front two would also be an option. They are all winger-capable.

I apologize for him having to play with defenders that are the worst in Scotland. I'm praying the manager signs Yuta Nakayama. We need a LB and RB.

 

That's so funny I was just thinking today what a good signing nakayama would be for Celtic, the guy was really impressive in the Olympics, super solid.

Great debut for Kyogo, the goal was a touch of class, he is a real finisher. He impressed when he was out on the wing briefly in the second half, I think that's his most productive position, he goes past people so easily. Should be sn exciting season, won't be surprised if he manages double figures.

 

We will need him, Abada and Forrest all in double figures, plus a midfielder, considering the amount of goals we are likely to concede.

Speaking of Japanese players, I was raging when we signed Joe Hart, instead of trying Kosei Tani. He definitely impressed me with his reactions to crosses.
Also, we have a very young defense. Maya Yoshida handled Chris Wood. If he can do that, then Scottish football would be a cakewalk. Yes, we are on the hunt for a CB, too.

 

And, another one. Had a bad miss earlier in the game, but then a good ball steal, and now, a goal.

EDIT: And a few minutes later, here's a second for Kyogo. Celtic shirts sale in Japan better explode!

 

Will he be the Japanese striker we've been looking for?

Anyways, I'm really happy that he's doing well with Celtic and at this rate he will be a contender for top scorer in the Scottish league, no doubt.

 

I'd say yes!! His work rate is insane, and his movement off the ball in general very good.

His only limitation is physical strength, so he can't hold the ball up. But tactics that avoid the concept can be set up.

 

Kyogo-san!

And in the 67th minute, too.

 

What a match for him! Congrats.

 

Watched the match, incredible performance from Kyogo, hattrick on his home debut, could have had even more!! Watching the reaction post match, the fans are in heaven about this guy, Celtic had a torrid season last year and he is a beacon of light for them. A lot of them are comparing him to the great legend Henrik Larrson, in terms of his movement. There can be no bigger compliment.

So pleased for him!