Manchester City could be looking to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes, with Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi emerging as a key target.
Furuhashi, who was signed by Ange Postecoglou during his time at Celtic, initially caught the eye of the now-Tottenham Hotspur boss while playing in Japan. Postecoglou, then managing Yokohama Marinos, first encountered Furuhashi when the forward played for Vissel Kobe after moving from a Second Division club. Furuhashi left a lasting impression by scoring against Postecoglou’s side, a performance that the Australian coach recalls vividly.
Reflecting on that encounter, Postecoglou said, “He was an opponent. We were playing in his country. I was coaching at Yokohama, and he had just been signed by Vissel Kobe from a Second Division club, Gifu. It was his first year in, and he scored in his first game against us. I remember our defenders saying he was just unbelievable; they couldn’t track his movement.”
Postecoglou followed Furuhashi’s progress closely from that point on, stating, “I could see he was just growing as a footballer all the time… He was the first person that I wanted to sign. Wherever I got a job in Europe, he would have been the first player I signed, irrespective of the level.”
When Postecoglou took charge at Celtic, he saw Furuhashi as the perfect fit for his style of play. “He scores goals, which is kind of obvious. But his work rate, his intelligence on the field, the kind of person he is, I had no doubt he would be a hit wherever I took him,” he added. Since joining Celtic, Furuhashi has made a significant impact, becoming a fan favorite and filling big shoes left by previous strikers at the club.
With Manchester City reportedly in the market for a replacement for Julian Alvarez, Furuhashi has “caught the eye” of the club’s scouts, according to The Athletic. The 29-year-old has scored 73 goals in all competitions during his time at Celtic, making him an attractive option for the Premier League champions. It is believed that personal terms wouldn’t be an issue, as Furuhashi is keen on a move to the Etihad.
