When rumours broke out that Kyogo was close to a return to Celtic, most fans were happy. Firstly, the Japanese international is a club hero, having scored 85 goals in the green-and-white jersey before leaving. Secondly, the Hoops are in need of a striker at the moment, with Johnny Kenny being their first-choice number 9 as things stand.
Celtic never replaced Kyogo after he left last January. That was followed by sanctioning Adam Idah's exit in the summer, once again without having a replacement lined up first.
Going back to Kyogo would be an admission of the shortcomings of the club's recruitment department. But at least it would solve the need for a consistent goalscorer.
As a result, a lot of fans were unhappy when it emerged that Kyogo would not make a blockbuster return to Celtic. But now, there is a fresh twist in the tale. It looks like rumours of the Japanese striker turning down the opportunity were wide of the mark.
Kyogo didn't reject move, real reason behind Celtic transfer collapse revealed
As reported by Paul Larkin on his Substack, because of previous strained relations due to the Yang Hyun-jun deal, the board decided to bypass Birmingham City and go directly to the player who initially assumed the Championship club had granted permission. As the report goes on to read:
"Once Birmingham City found out they pulled the plug immediately. This was after Celtic had already briefed the media on Kyogo’s imminent return."
This has to go down as another massive transfer faux pas on the part of Celtic. They can't seem to get much right these days when it comes to signing players.
Of course, it is not the only move that seems to have fallen apart in this winter window. There have been quite a few, which is a very worrying sign to be honest.
A move for Jocelin Ta Bi had looked all but done. But now, there are doubts whether it will happen or. And they also seem to have stepped back from their attempts to bring in Niko Sigur.