Celtic have already given Pep Guardiola five terrifying reasons to splurge on Kyogo Furuhashi

Celtic have already given Manchester City multiple reasons to splash out on Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Japanese striker has been linked with a surprise move to the Premier League champions, who recently allowed Julian Alvarez to leave for Atletico Madrid in a £80million-plus deal. After being left light up front, Pep Guardiola has identified Furuhashi as a potential back-up to Erling Haaland.

Celtic are said to want in the region of £20million for the 29-year-old, who has netted 73 goals in 135 games for the Hoops since arriving in Glasgow in 2021. If City need further persuading about what Kyogo would bring to their star-studded side, they only have to look at previous comments from former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou – the man who brought him to the club – and Matt O’Riley, who is potentially heading for the exit door himself, with Brighton keen to sign the Denmark international.

Following an Old Firm game in April 2023, in which Kyogo scored twice in a 3-2 Celtic win, Postecoglou highlighted the player’s work ethic, ability to deliver in big games, winning mentality and “outstanding” personality. The Australian lauded: “I’ve said it a few times, from the moment this guy arrived, he’s been outstanding. He gives everything in every game he plays, he’s a threat. If he doesn’t score a goal he works so hard for the team. He delivers in the big games.

“There’s not much of him out there and he’s up against big strong defenders who get very physical with him at times. But make no mistake, he’s a winner. I’ve seen it first-hand. He wants that responsibility to rise to the occasion. He wants to be the person who delivers and he did it again today.

“He was the first one I wanted here. He didn’t arrive first but he was the first I