Kyogo departed Celtic to seal his £10million move to Rennes – with former hero Jota on the verge of a sensational return in the opposite direction.
Japan star Kyogo headed to France to finalise his switch and end his prolific three-and-a-half-year spell in Scotland. But the supporters’ blow has been softened with the quick-fire move to bring back the popular Portuguese wide man in a deal worth around £8.5m. Celts refused to stand in Kyogo’s way after the frontman’s representation revealed the 30-year-old was keen to explore a new challenge.
And boss Brendan Rodgers jumped on the chance to land Jota in a operate deal with the French outfit determined to offload the attacker in this January transfer window. The 25-year-old departed the Hoops 18 months ago in a eye-watering £25m sale to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ittihad – and the Parkhead club also pocketed a slice of the sell on when he headed to Rennes for around £9m.
Rodgers is also looking to negotiate a deal to bring back fellow fans’ favourite Kieran Tierney this month with a pre-contract ahead of the summer already close to being agreed with the Arsenal ace. And Record Sport understands Celtic will also ramp up their attempts to land a replacement striker for Kyogo – with a big name loan signing from England also a possibility.
Callum McGregor admitted it will be a blow saying goodbye to the Japanese frontman – who has blasted 85 goals for the club including crucial strikes in cup finals, against Rangers and in the Champions League. The Hoops skipper insisted Kyogo will go down as one of the modern Parkhead greats.
McGregor said: “How will be be remembered? For big goals. Big games. A Legend? A modern day legend, definitely. He has been so important for the team. Whatever the case is, I know the club will have done everything they can to keep him. But if that (win against Young Boys on Wednesday) is to be his last game or whatever, then he’s been outstanding.”
McGregor is preparing to be reunited with two former favourites but he is adamant life will go on without Kyogo. The 31-year-old has watched several fans’ favourites head for the exits over the years – and he reckons there are always new legends on the way. He said: “The club’s always the one that’s here though, isn’t it?
“Celtic create new heroes all the time. That’s something you’ve seen so many times here. Two weeks later, it’s practically forgotten about! There’s someone else in who comes in. I’m still here!”