Commentators have failed to rule out a historic Celtic comeback since they are unable to rule out a deal.
Given that Jota has already returned to basketball and Kieran Tierney will join this summer, some fans may believe that their fantasy team lineups are finally coming to pass. One hero from the Ange Postecoglou era to leave in the summer was Matt O’Riley, and Kyogo made his tearful departure to Rennes in January.
He has only made four appearances since joining Ligue 1 with 0 goals or assists, despite having eight trophies and 85 Celtic goals. Andy Walker, a former Scotland international, is wondering if Brendan Rodgers would try to make a stunning move just months after he left because his long-term chances in France already appear grim. During the winter transfer window, Celtic was unable to find a replacement for the Japanese international.
Could Kyogo return to Celtic?
Walker was asked on Go Radio if he felt that a deal for the striker was realistic. He responded: “I think there’s always a chance. I mean, Celtic have brought Kieran Tierney back, they’ve brought Jota back, they have made a big profit on Jota, for example. Kieran Tierney will be welcomed with open arms, given his history at Celtic, given the quality that he still has. And the only thing you ask of Kieran Tierney is you hope he gets that bit of luck and he remains injury-free.”
Mark Guidi was the other pundit on the panel. He replied: “I’d be surprised, but I wouldn’t rule it out. Again, I think it would depend on the number and depends what kind of options Celtic feel that they have for the number nine jersey. So I don’t think it will happen, but I don’t think it’s one you could completely rule out.”
Why Celtic hero left
Rodgers was clear on the reasons Kyogo was leaving Celtic in January. He said at the time: “It’s nothing to do with the club, naturally as the manager, I work on myself. At this point, he is one of our top players and someone who fits perfectly into how we play and how we work. Kyogo has expressed an interest to leave a number of months back and obviously, that expression becomes stronger, and it gets to the stage where he clearly really wants to leave.
Regretfully, we must then reach an agreement and try to make that final for him. For the three and a half years that he has been here, he has been an outstanding player for the team. We didn’t want to lose him, as I mentioned, but we have to accept him where he is. We must honour that given his age and the effort he has put into Celtic.
“I am really excited about discovering Stade Rennais and my new teammates,” Kyogo stated at the time. I want to make an immediate impact on the team’s performance. I was searching for a new challenge in a prominent league after several successful years with Celtic. Getting higher in the rankings will be our goal. With Rennes, I feel like I’m ready to give it my all.
