It feels like a long time ago that Kyogo Furuhashi was lighting up Celtic’s attack. It has been such a tough 15 months for the Scottish giants, who have had three managers in that time and plenty of fan turmoil.
Even if the Scottish Premiership title is still up for grabs, even Parkhead deny that they have a lot of work to do this summer if they want to keep up with Hearts and Rangers next season.
Starting with a new boss to replace veteran manager Martin O’Neill and a consistent striker, there is little room for error at Celtic Park this summer.
How Celtic are trying to replace Kyogo
If Celtic and Kyogo were able to go back in 15 months, they might have decided to stick together.
The striker’s decision to leave the club in January 2025 is one that has not worked for either club. Celtic tried and failed to change his quality, and Kyogo failed to regain that level, scoring only once in 28 league games for Birmingham City in 2025/25.
In fact, the Bhoys should have invested in a replacement for the Japanese player. It was always impossible for them to replace his influence by turning Daizen Maeda into a rare striker and they have watched as their front line has fallen apart ever since.
|
Kyogo to Celtic |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
165 |
|
Goals |
85 |
|
It helps |
19 |
Since choosing the cheap route to replace Kyogo, Celtic have created another problem for themselves. Almost two years ago, they killed Maeda’s momentum and now they have important questions to answer about his future at the club.
From a 33-goal scorer, the 28-year-old has scored just eight goals in the current campaign and many of those have been what should have been unnecessary transfers.
It’s something the Bhoys can solve with a new striker who can kill two birds with one stone this summer. Who that new striker is is still a big question.
According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are now considering a move to sign Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt in an attempt to replace Kyogo.
It is worth noting that the Danish striker has been ‘heard’ of a move and is on a list of players including Plymouth Argyle’s Aribim Pepple and Lorent Tolaj.
Reports earlier this year suggested the Hoops could have to pay £6m to lure him away from the Arctic circle.
Why Kasper Hogh could solve Celtic’s striker problem
Signing Hogh would quickly kill two birds with one stone in Glasgow. It will replace Kyogo’s influence and will allow Maeda to return to his best role to regain his best form.
For one, it would add at least another 40 goals to Celtic’s current squad, given Maeda’s wider influence and how healthy the Bodo/Glimt striker has been this season.
The striker is highly rated in Norway, with Bodo/Glimt director Frode Thomassen even describing Hogh as “special” back in January.
He earned that praise on the pitch, too – scoring eight goals in 17 appearances in all competitions as his side prepared for another league campaign in pursuit of glory.
Any worries that the 25-year-old can’t break it on the big stage should be put to rest now. He, like his teammates, has done very well in the Champions League this season, as Bodo/Glimt reached the Last 16 before being beaten by Sporting Club.
During that time, Hogh scored five goals in 12 games – putting Inter Milan and Premier League giants Manchester City to the sword with impressive performances.
Compared to the likes of Tomas Cvanvara, this is a true quality player who can excel wherever he finds himself outside of Norway.
Thanks to Maeda and all the forwards, signing Hogh should be a top priority for Celtic this summer.
Celtic are in talks to sign a new midfielder who could be the next Wanyama
The Bhoys could secure their first deal before the summer.
