Celtic have a big task on their hands. Finding a way to replace Kyogo Furuhashi. The Japanese forward, who has been the first-choice striker for the Hoops since arriving in the summer of 2021 in the early days of Ange Postecoglou as the club's manager, is on his way to Rennes. And it goes without saying that it won't be easy to find a replacement for someone of his quality.
Not only has Kyogo scored plenty of goals for Celtic, but he has also done so in the biggest of moments. Glasgow Derbies, cup finals and important Champions League games.
We never saw the best of Kyogo under the management of Brendan Rodgers but even then, he was comfortably Celtic's number one option up front. So, the decision to green-light his exit in the middle of the season, with so much left to play for, is certainly a risky one for the Hoops.
So, who could replace Kyogo at Celtic? Mathias Kvistgaarden has been linked with the club and could be a long-term solution. On the other hand, a short-term answer has been suggested as well. Someone Rodgers will know pretty well already.
Premier League legend tipped for Celtic transfer
Jamie Vardy has been suggested as a possible option for Celtic. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Craig Moore said on Go Radio:
"Kyogo’s goals are consistent and they are regular.
“He is perfect for the way that Celtic play. He will be a big loss. There’s no doubt about that.
“Will Celtic still be able to finish the back end of the season in a strong positive manner? Or, do they tail off a little bit and then in the off-season, the conversations are a little bit different?
“You talked about it earlier and maybe a top-notch player coming in on loan, or something like that. I haven’t watched every game, but is Vardy playing every single week down the road? He has seven* goals and is 38. Brendan has worked with him."
Vardy is a Premier League legend. His story is one that pretty much every modern football fan knows. The way he made it from the lower divisions of the English game to guide Leicester City to unimaginable glory.
But now, he is pretty much in the twilight of his career. That being said, it is hard to see him leave Leicester City, even to join Celtic on a short-term loan deal. That is probably where he will retire.