Celtic FC fans are buzzing with speculation as the January transfer window looms, particularly concerning two key players: Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota. The recent buzz highlights the potential departure of striker Kyogo, who is reportedly on the brink of joining Stade Rennes for around £10 million. This situation has opened the door for Jota, the Portuguese winger, to make a dramatic return to Glasgow, reigniting hope among supporters for his services once again.
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Kyogo's interest in moving stems from his desire to compete in one of Europe's top leagues, thereby enhancing his likelihood of selection for Japan's national squad for the 2026 World Cup. He has been instrumental for Celtic this season, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists across all competitions, and his departure could pose significant challenges for manager Brendan Rodgers and the team.
Simultaneously, Jota's situation at Rennes has not been ideal. After making the move from Al-Ittihad to the French club last summer, he found himself struggling to secure playtime under new head coach Jorge Sampaoli. Ouest-France reports his time at Rennes has been mired with difficulties, leading to discussions of his return to Celtic, where he enjoyed two successful seasons prior to his departure.
Jota's exit from Celtic was marked by high expectations after the club received £25 million for his transfer to Al-Ittihad. This venture did not pan out as hoped, pushing Jota to Rennes, but after limited success, he might be eyeing revival by rejoining Celtic. He previously recorded 28 goals and 26 assists over 86 appearances at the club, making him a valuable asset during his tenure.
With reports indicating agreement between Celtic and Rennes for the fee concerning Kyogo, Jota’s return appears feasible, especially if these potential deals for both players can be executed simultaneously. While there is currently no formal swap deal on the table, the parallel movement of these players adds layers of complexity to this winter's transfer window, with each development ripe for discussion among fans and pundits alike.
The timing is particularly significant as Celtic looks to regroup after securing their position in the Champions League knockout stages, and reinvesting in key players during the transfer window could bolster the squad for the second half of the season. The prospect of bringing back Jota would inject fresh energy and familiarity to the team, something particularly valuable as they strive for domestic and European success.
Indeed, as Kyogo Furuhashi weighs his future and Jota contemplates his next move, Celtic finds itself at a crossroads, with exciting prospects and potential challenges gathering momentum. The interaction between these two players makes for one of the most engaging narratives of this transfer window, capturing the imagination of Celtic supporters who are eager for news about their beloved club.
Whether or not these transfers materialize, the future remains uncertain yet tantalizing for both Celts and fans alike. The juxtaposition of losing a celebrated striker like Kyogo and potentially welcoming back Jota holds the promise of dramatic shifts within the squad. Should Kyogo leave for Rennes, convincing Jota to return might bring back not just talent, but also the flair and excitement he once provided on the park.