Buy Low, Sell High – Then Buy Back for Less: Celtic’s Masterstroke
Celtic’s financial strategy has been a resounding success in recent years. The Parkhead model of acquiring talent on the cheap, winning trophies, and selling for huge profits has consistently filled the club’s coffers. But their evolving transfer approach is proving even more shrewd – buy low, sell high, and then buy back for a fraction of the price.
Take Jota, for instance. Sold for £25 million and now potentially returning for peanuts just 18 months later. Similarly, securing Kieran Tierney on a pre-contract after selling him for a significant fee a few years ago was another masterclass in business. So why stop there? Celtic should now look to bring back Kyogo Furuhashi for a bargain.
Kyogo’s French Misstep Could Benefit Celtic
On the surface, it might seem far-fetched to suggest re-signing Kyogo so soon after his departure, but it actually makes perfect sense. His move to Rennes has been anything but smooth. The manager who brought him in was shown the door almost immediately, and his replacement doesn’t seem to rate the Japanese forward. Kyogo has tumbled down the pecking order to fourth or fifth-choice striker, and with Rennes planning to splash cash on more attacking options in the summer, his future looks bleak.
Kyogo’s big move to France was meant to enhance his chances of representing Japan, but that gamble hasn’t paid off. Japan has already qualified for next summer’s World Cup, yet Kyogo’s only chance of being in North America seems to be as a spectator. Meanwhile, his former Celtic teammates Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate are near-certainties for the squad.
A Return to Celtic Makes Sense for All
A return to Celtic would be logical for Kyogo, who might now realize that the grass isn’t greener elsewhere. Celtic fans, despite mixed feelings about his departure, would likely welcome him back. While some believed his form had dipped and thought £10 million was a good deal for a striker who appeared to be slowing down, that perception ignored the fact that Kyogo had consistently delivered goals.
Even if his numbers dipped slightly before leaving, Kyogo is far from finished. If Celtic could secure him for around £3 million, where else would they find a proven goal-scorer capable of netting 15-20 goals a season for that price? A few goals would quickly restore his standing with the fans – just ask Brendan Rodgers how a second stint can change perceptions.
Rodgers Needs Striking Options
Rodgers has faith in Adam Idah, but playing Daizen Maeda through the middle suggests the Irishman isn’t quite ready to lead the line consistently. Maeda has been running himself into the ground, shifting between striker and winger. While his remarkable stamina is often praised, even he has limits. Bringing Kyogo back would ease that burden and allow Idah more time to develop.
A return to Celtic could also reignite Kyogo’s international career. Suggesting that playing in Scotland diminishes a player’s chances of making Japan’s squad is absurd, especially at a club competing in the Champions League.
Jesse Marsch recently hinted that Alistair Johnston might need to move to a bigger league to continue his development – ironic considering Marsch was once eyeing the Celtic job before Ange Postecoglou got the nod. Johnston has been an excellent signing and is likely to recover from his recent dip in form to remain a key figure, perhaps even a future captain.
As for Kyogo, his route to the World Cup might just lead him back to Celtic Park. A reunion could provide the spark he needs – for club and country.
