When Jota returned to Celtic on Monday, one notable figure was missing from the front three he once thrived in—Kyogo Furuhashi. During their time together, the pair were a constant headache for opposition defences, particularly in high-stakes derby matches against Rangers.
Jota’s creativity on the wings and Kyogo’s movement up front made for a deadly partnership, with both players supplying chances for one another and linking up in ways that left defenders chasing shadows.
They have swapped clubs, with Jota coming from Rennes to re-sign for Celtic and kyogo moving in the other direction. Two ships passing in the night this time around.
Reflecting on the time they spent together, Jota admitted it was disappointing not to have the chance to reignite their on-field understanding. “Kyogo is definitely someone I had a very good relationship with on the pitch,” Jota told CeltsAreHere. “But this is football—everything changes from one moment to the next. I wish I could have played with him more, but, as I said, football evolves, and you have to adapt.”
Since Jota’s departure, Kyogo has continued to be the talisman of Celtic’s attack, delivering crucial goals and keeping his place as one of the league’s top strikers. However, some have suggested that the absence of Jota’s service and creativity may have slightly hindered Kyogo’s game at times, as he has had to rely on other sources for his chances. The return of Jota would have ironically helped the wee man.
For now, the Hoops face a challenge in finding the right replacement up-front. With Kyogo’s departure fresh, Brendan Rodgers will need to bring in a striker who can fill his boots. But even without Kyogo, Celtic’s current attack remains packed with potential.
The idea of Jota linking up with the likes of Daizen Maeda or Nicholas Kuhn on either side of a front three will be enough to cause sleepless nights for Premiership defenders. With the superstar from Portugal back in the fold, Rodgers has the pieces to build a devastating forward line that could dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Jota’s return signals not only a chance for him to rediscover his form but also an opportunity to forge new partnerships.
