Brendan Rodgers confirmed to the media on Friday that Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Rennes and Jota’s return to Celtic are both expected to be completed within the next 24 hours. [Raman Bhardwaj]The Celtic manager also revealed that Kyogo had expressed a desire to leave the club a couple of months ago, paving the way for the transfer.
“Kyogo had expressed an interest to leave a number of months back. Obviously then that expression becomes stronger and then it gets to this stage where he clearly wants to leave and we have to then do a deal and look to finalise that for him.” He told Celtic TV.
“He’s been an incredible player for the club in the three-and-a-half years he’s been here and, like I said, he’s not someone we wanted to lose. But we have to accept where he’s at and after the work that he’s done to give to Celtic, and his age and where he’s at, we have to accept that.
“There’s obviously issues around the timing. But we have been aware so it’s not something that has just been sprung on us. We understand that we were going to lose him and that we have to replace that quality to keep the team moving forward. It’s something that’s been going on in a little while and hopefully we come out of the window with a stronger squad.”
Kyogo Set for Ligue 1
Kyogo is poised to join Rennes in a £10m deal after an outstanding two-and-a-half years at Celtic Park. The Japanese forward has been a crucial figure for the Hoops, with his movement, goals, and big-game performances earning him legendary status among fans. This season, Kyogo has netted 12 goals in 18 games across all competitions, but his ambition to play in a top-five European league has led to his departure.
Rodgers’ comments confirm the move is now just hours from completion, marking the end of a successful chapter for the striker in Glasgow.
Jota’s Sensational Return
To soften the blow of Kyogo’s departure, Celtic have worked quickly to secure the return of Jota from Rennes. The Portuguese winger left the club in the summer of 2023, but after a frustrating six-month spell in France, the 24-year-old is on the verge of a sensational comeback to Parkhead.
Jota’s transfer, reportedly costing Celtic €10m (£9m), will provide Rodgers with a proven creative talent and a player who knows the demands of life at Celtic. His return has been met with huge excitement among the Celtic support, who witnessed his pivotal role in last season’s treble-winning campaign.
While Rodgers confirmed the status of the Kyogo and Jota deals, the manager is also expected to focus on securing additional reinforcements before the January window closes. Danish striker Mathias Kvistgaarden has been heavily linked as a replacement for Kyogo, with Brondby holding out for around £10m.
More updates are expected soon as the Hoops prepare to finalise two major moves in what has been a busy and dramatic transfer window.
