Kyogo breaks Celtic transfer silence as Urawa Red Diamonds told hurdle that mega-money offer CAN'T clear

Celtic striker Kyogo Furushashi insists his focus remains on Europe as he appeared to shut down the possibility of a move to Urawa Red Diamonds this summer.

The hitman is a firm fan favourite of the Hoops having enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Celtic Park since being brought to the Scottish Premiership by Ange Postecoglou back in 2021 - and continued to impress in the Brendan Rodgers while helping secure the domestic double. However, Urawa have reportedly made the 29-year-old their top target this season as the cash-rich J-League side look to revamp their squad for a title challenge.

Reports suggest that the club are willing to break the current transfer record in Japan to seal a deal - which currently stands at £10million - to snap up a player who is contracted to Celtic until 2027. But on his return to Japan while on a visit former club FC Gifu - the Japanese third tier club where he started his professional career - Kyogo insisted that he wanted to remain overseas for as long as possible.

Speaking to Gifu-NP, Kyogo was quizzed on a potential return to his former club one day. He responded: "Honestly, I'm not sure what my future holds. But I want to work hard overseas for as long as I can, and if I can come back someday, I'd like to come back to Japan and play in front of you all."

The frontman insisted his focus was on earning call-up for Japan's World Cup squad, adding: "It's not just me, but all soccer players have the national team as their number one goal. I want to keep scoring goals wherever I am so that I don't lose to those players. I think that beyond that, the Japanese national team and the World Cup are waiting for me. I want to cherish what is in front of me."

Kyogo was then pressed on his season at