Manchester City Eye This Celtic Star As Erling Haaland’s Backup: Good Choice?
With the transfer rumor mill always spinning, Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on Celtic’s prolific forward Kyogo Furuhashi as a potential backup for their superstar striker, Erling Haaland. As Pep Guardiola seeks to maintain his side’s dominance across multiple competitions, bolstering his attacking options remains a priority. But is Kyogo the right choice for City’s ambitions?
Kyogo Furuhashi has been nothing short of sensational since joining Celtic from Vissel Kobe in 2021. The Japanese forward quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his blistering pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing. Last season, Kyogo was instrumental in Celtic’s domestic treble, netting 34 goals in all competitions. His ability to exploit defensive gaps and score crucial goals has made him one of the most feared attackers in the Scottish Premiership.
What sets Kyogo apart is not just his goal-scoring ability but also his work ethic. He presses from the front, links up well with teammates, and has an instinctive knack for being in the right place at the right time. This all-round capability would certainly appeal to Guardiola, whose tactical system demands hard-working, versatile forwards.
Erling Haaland is one of the most dominant strikers in world football, and he was instrumental in helping Manchester City clinch the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles last season. However, relying solely on Haaland for the central striker role could be risky for City. The Norwegian’s injury history, though not alarming, makes Guardiola wary of overusing him, especially during congested periods of the season.
Having a reliable backup would allow City to rotate more freely and ensure Haaland stays fresh for the big occasions. Kyogo Furuhashi presents an intriguing option: he’s adaptable, experienced in a high-pressure environment like Celtic Park, and his playing style could complement City’s possession-heavy, high-tempo approach.
Furthermore, Furuhashi’s ability to play across the forward line — either centrally or in wide positions — would give Guardiola tactical flexibility. City often deploy different formations, and Kyogo’s versatility could provide cover not only for Haaland but also for players like Julian Alvarez and even wide attackers like Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
While Kyogo has proven himself at Celtic, the question remains whether he can replicate his success in the Premier League, particularly at a club like Manchester City where the stakes are even higher. The step up in quality from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is significant, and it would be a challenge for Kyogo to adapt to the physicality and pace of the English game.
However, many top players have made the leap from Celtic to Premier League success — think of Virgil van Dijk and Kieran Tierney. Kyogo’s technical ability and football IQ suggest he could make the transition. Moreover, under a manager like Guardiola, who is known for developing players and fitting them into his system, Kyogo could thrive.
One concern might be game time. If Haaland stays fit, Kyogo may find minutes hard to come by, especially with the presence of Julian Alvarez, who is already pushing for more starts. For a player used to being a starter and the main man at Celtic, settling for a backup role could be a difficult adjustment.
From Manchester City’s perspective, signing Kyogo Furuhashi could be a shrewd piece of business. He would likely come at a lower cost than some other high-profile targets, and his experience at a top club like Celtic means he would arrive with a winning mentality.
His pressing game, intelligence in the box, and versatility are qualities Guardiola values, and Kyogo’s speed would add another dimension to City’s attack. While he might not be the physical presence Haaland is, he could be a perfect foil for City’s intricate build-up play and provide a different attacking dynamic.
For Kyogo, a move to Manchester City would be a massive step in his career, offering the chance to test himself at the highest level in the Premier League and Champions League. However, the challenge for him would be to break into one of the most competitive squads in world football.
Kyogo Furuhashi to Manchester City as Erling Haaland’s backup seems like a good fit on paper. His skill set aligns well with Guardiola’s tactical demands, and his experience at Celtic suggests he could handle the pressures of playing for a club of City’s stature. However, adapting to the Premier League and finding regular playing time could be hurdles for the Japanese forward.
Whether or not this move materializes, City’s interest in Kyogo underscores his growing reputation in European football. For now, fans of both Celtic and City will watch closely as the transfer window unfolds.
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