When Kyogo Furuhashi joined Celtic in 2021, few would have recognized the name.
His manager at the time, Ange Postecoglou, said the Japan international would “add something special” to the team. He wasn't wrong.
Just under four years later, Kyogo leaves as a fan favorite. He is the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership since moving to the league. In addition, he won eight major awards in three and a half seasons.
Kyogo joined Celtic from Vissel Kobe in 2021
The 30-year-old has signed a new four-year deal at the club in 2023, with boss Brendan Rodgers describing him as an “exciting” and “important” player. That new deal was signed a day after Jota left the club for Saudi Arabia – but could he instead return to the Rennes club and fill the void Kyogo leaves behind?
Will Kyogo be missed?
Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou signed Kyogoo for Celtic where he won eight major honours
The simple answer is yes. He scores goals, stretches the defense to create space for his teammates to score and is neat on the ball.
He scored 85 goals in all competitions, plus added 19 assists – but there's a lot more to him than those numbers.
A total of 56 of those goals were scored in the league, a figure unmatched by any other player in the Scottish Premiership during that period. Astonishingly, the forward – who stands just 5ft 5in – scored 12 headers, also a league high, during his time in Glasgow.
He topped the league charts for shots on target and fast breaks. In addition, more than 17 percent of Celtic's goals since the summer of 2021 have come via strikers. For context, Matt O'Riley and Daizen Maeda were second on that list for the Hoops – 10 percent further back.
How will Celtic replace him?
Jota won five trophies during his time at Celtic, including two league titles
The simple answer could be a name familiar to Celtic fans. A jot.
He left Celtic for a £25m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in 2023but things never worked out for the 25-year-old. Problems off the field saw the Portuguese playmaker leave after a year to join Rennes.
However, that didn't go according to plan either as Jota made just nine league appearances in France, and now the clubs are talking about the player moving in the opposite direction to Kyog.
He scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists during his final season at Celtic as they won the domestic treble. He loves the club and the fans adore him. While he may not be a direct replacement for Kyogo, Rodgers is not short of options in that central area with Adam Idaho back at the club and Daizen Maeda also able to fill that role.
Plus, there's no doubt that fans would love to see “Jota on the wing” at Celtic Park again.
Celtic are keeping Barry in talks with Villa, but the club do not want to sell him
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Louie Barry heads over three players to score a fine finish in Stockport County's 3-0 win over Blackpool
The latest from Sky Sports News' Anthony Joseph and Lyal Thomas:
Celtic have held initial talks about a possible deal for the winger Louie Barry – but Aston Villa they are still unwilling to sell the player and have offered him a new contract.
Villa prefer to keep Barry and loan him out for his development – and he has interest from most of the Championship and several clubs overseas.
The 21-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at Stockport County earlier this month, in order for Unai Emery to take a closer look and assess his fitness for the first team.
Transfer center LIVE! Offers, rumours, news on your phone 📱
The January transfer window is here OPEN!
Follow all the latest deals, news and rumors at 'Transfers' section of the The Sky Sports app!
Looking for news about YOUR club? Find specific download pages EVERY Premier League team.