Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic’s prolific forward, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester City ahead of the January transfer window. The Premier League champions have been actively searching for a replacement following the departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a fee of around €95 million. Alvarez’s move left a gap in City’s attacking options, and Furuhashi emerged as one of the top candidates for this role.
Furuhashi, a key figure in Celtic’s attack since joining from Vissel Kobe in 2021, has caught the eye of several top clubs across Europe, but City seem to have prioritized him due to his versatility, pace, and clinical finishing. His impressive performance during a pre-season match against Manchester City, where he scored against the English side, further strengthened his appeal to Pep Guardiola’s team.
Manchester City is in need of a forward who can not only provide cover for Erling Haaland but also bring creativity and technical prowess to their attacking line. Furuhashi fits this profile well. Known for his intelligent movement, quick feet, and sharp finishing, the Japanese international has already shown his ability to adapt to different tactical systems, something Guardiola values highly. His previous working relationship with City’s assistant coach Juanma Lillo, from their time together at Vissel Kobe, adds another layer of connection, potentially easing his transition to the Premier League.
While personal terms between Furuhashi and Manchester City have reportedly been agreed, negotiations between the two clubs over the transfer fee are still ongoing. Celtic will likely demand a substantial fee for their star player, given his importance to the team and his recent contract extension that ties him to the Scottish champions until 2027. This transfer could also represent a significant financial gain for Celtic, as the player has consistently delivered high-level performances, contributing to the team’s domestic dominance.
Should the transfer be finalized in January, Furuhashi will face the challenge of adjusting to the intensity and pace of Premier League football. However, his technical skills and understanding of the game suggest that he could thrive in Guardiola’s possession-based system. City’s focus on maintaining squad depth and rotation, particularly given their pursuit of multiple trophies each season, means Furuhashi will likely see regular game time, even if initially in a supporting role to Haaland.
This move, if completed, could mark a significant step in Furuhashi’s career, elevating him to the global stage while giving Manchester City a valuable attacking option capable of complementing their already formidable lineup.
