In a recent media conference, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the departure of star striker Kyogo Furuhashi to French club Stade Rennais for a reported fee of £10 million. Rodgers revealed that Kyogo had expressed his desire to leave several months prior, leading the club to facilitate the transfer. He stated, “Kyogo has been wanting to leave for months,” indicating that the player’s departure was a long-standing consideration.
Former Celtic striker and current football pundit Chris Sutton has been vocal in his criticism of both the transfer and Rodgers’ comments. Sutton expressed disbelief at the decision to sell Kyogo, emphasizing the striker’s significant contributions to the team. He remarked, “It’s money over magic,” suggesting that financial considerations were prioritized over the player’s on-field impact.
Sutton also highlighted the timing of the sale, pointing out that it could be perceived as the club conceding their ambitions in European competitions for the season. He argued that retaining a player of Kyogo’s caliber would have been beneficial for Celtic’s aspirations, especially in the UEFA Champions League. Sutton stated, “It’s like a hands-up,” implying that the sale signaled a surrender of competitive intent.
The departure of Kyogo has left a notable void in Celtic’s attacking lineup. Sutton has urged the club to secure a top-class center forward to fill this gap, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the team’s competitive edge. He commented, “Just a top-class centre forward required to replace Kyogo,” underscoring the need for a high-caliber replacement.
In response to Rodgers’ public statements about Kyogo’s desire to leave, Sutton suggested that such comments could be damaging to the player’s reputation. He humorously remarked that if he were in Kyogo’s position, he might consider legal action, saying, “Kyogo should sue Brendan Rodgers for what he’s saying.” This statement reflects Sutton’s disapproval of airing internal matters publicly and his concern for the player’s image.
The situation has sparked a broader debate among fans and analysts regarding the club’s transfer policies and communication strategies. While some supporters understand the financial reasoning behind the sale, others share Sutton’s concerns about the potential impact on the team’s performance and morale.
As Celtic moves forward, the focus will be on how the club addresses the void left by Kyogo’s departure and manages internal communications to maintain unity and trust among players, management, and supporters.
For a more in-depth perspective on Chris Sutton’s views regarding Brendan Rodgers’ handling of Kyogo, you can watch the following discussion:
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