Manchester City is currently stacked with players who can play on the wings or operate behind the striker, with Pep Guardiola able to utilize Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, and others as he pleases. However, when it comes to a classic striker, City has only one: Erling Haaland. With the recent sale of Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid for 75 million euros, City is now in search of a replacement. It seems they have found a potential candidate in Scotland. Typically, when Manchester City makes a signing, it’s a high-profile acquisition. However, this time they are looking at a more under-the-radar option who has never played in one of the “big five” European leagues. The player in question is Kyogo Furuhashi, a 29-year-old Japanese striker who has been a standout under Ange Postecoglou.🚨🔵 Manchester City are considering a move for Kyogo Furuhashi from Celtic, one of the options for winger position.Initial talks took place this week as @hughmurray1894 and @samlee reported.⚠️ City want to get Ilkay Gündogan deal done as priority… and then decide on winger. pic.twitter.com/aUWLxPMsQl— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2024 Furuhashi has impressed with his performances in Scotland, and his versatility and goal-scoring ability have caught the attention of Manchester City as they look to bolster their attacking options behind Haaland. This potential transfer would be an intriguing move for City, as Furuhashi brings a different skill set and experience, which could complement Guardiola’s tactical plans. Ange Postecoglou, the Australian coach with Greek roots, ventured to the Far East six years ago, landing an opportunity to work in Yokohama. During his time in Japan, one player who particularly caught his eye was Kyogo Furuhashi from Vissel Kobe. After spending three years in the J-League, Postecoglou accepted an offer from Celtic, and one of his first moves was to bring Furuhashi to the Scottish club. And what a move it turned out to be Celtic paid 5.4 million for the Japanese forward, and Furuhashi has long since repaid that investment, becoming a fan favorite among Celtic supporters. The reasons for his popularity are straightforward and numerous. Firstly, Furuhashi’s style of play is dynamic and energetic, characterized by his relentless movement, sharp instincts in front of goal, and a work rate that endears him to fans. His ability to find space and his clinical finishing have made him a key player for Celtic, contributing significantly to the team’s successes since his arrival. Moreover, Furuhashi’s professionalism and humble demeanor have also won him admiration both on and off the pitch. His dedication to improving his game and his seamless adaptation to European football have only further solidified his status as a beloved figure at Celtic Park.Hello, Pep, could I…? Of course you canOverall, Furuhashi’s impact at Celtic has been immense, and his journey from Japan to Scotland under Postecoglou’s guidance is a testament to the coach’s keen eye for talent and Furuhashi’s own exceptional abilities. The Japanese has been a revelation since arriving at Celtic Park, scoring an impressive 73 goals in 135 matches—an average of more than one goal every two games. His impact was especially felt during the 2022/2023 season, where he finished as the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership with 27 goals. He has also developed a particular knack for scoring against Rangers in the fierce Old Firm rivalry, netting eight goals in 14 appearances. This remarkable scoring record has made him a fan favorite and one of the most effective forwards in the history of the Old Firm derbies.It’s official: Alvarez joins the Argentine colony in MadridIn his three years at Celtic, Furuhashi has helped the club secure three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups. His performances have earned him the Player of the Year award, demonstrating his prowess in the penalty area, his agility, and his ability to score with either foot or his head. These attributes have caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, who is reportedly interested in bringing Furuhashi to Manchester City as a potential replacement for Julián Álvarez. Guardiola sees the Japanese forward as an ideal fit alongside another striker, with the possibility of Ilkay Gündogan returning to the Etihad as well. However, there is one concern: Furuhashi is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, which caused him to miss Celtic’s most recent league match. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers mentioned that surgery might be necessary, which could sideline Furuhashi for up to four months—a significant amount of time. Despite this, if Manchester City decides that Furuhashi is the right player to replace Álvarez, they are likely to move forward with the transfer, assuming he passes the medical examination.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284381##
