Celtic’s midfielder Matt O’Riley is set to join Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £30 million. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Chris Sutton has issued a stark warning to the Scottish Premiership champions: losing both O’Riley and Japan international striker Kyogo Furuhashi in the same window could prove disastrous.
Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Kyogo as a potential backup for their star forward, Erling Braut Haaland. Celtic, while not desperate for cash, are said to be willing to part with the Japanese striker for £20 million—a sum that could be too tempting for the board to resist.
The Hoops have already moved to strengthen their attacking options, bringing in Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah. Yet, the prospect of losing two of their most influential players in the final third is a concern that’s giving both fans and pundits sleepless nights. Sutton, a former Celtic player and now a pundit for Sky Sports, is one of those worried voices.
“The prospect of losing Matt O’Riley this summer is a tough one for Celtic fans to stomach,” Sutton told the Daily Record.
“But allowing Kyogo to also head out the door would be absolutely unthinkable right now. Celtic shouldn’t even contemplate the possibility of the striker leaving. They can’t entertain it—at any price. There’s been enough said about O’Riley and people have just about got their heads around his likely departure.
“Kyogo is a different matter. The story this week about Manchester City being interested has got supporters in a panic—and it’s understandable. The notion of Celtic losing two of their best players going into the final week of the transfer window makes my stomach lurch as well.”
Kyogo, who has been a revelation since arriving in Glasgow, is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League giants. However, he is unlikely to force a transfer if Celtic decide to reject any offer that comes their way.
The dilemma for Celtic’s board is clear: do they cash in on a 29-year-old player for a substantial fee or keep hold of a key player, ensuring their squad remains strong as they prepare for another Champions League campaign? The club’s financial position is relatively stable, bolstered further by their participation in Europe’s premier competition this season.
However, should the board decide to prioritise finances over footballing strength, fans might not be too surprised to see Kyogo follow O’Riley out the door. The next few days will be crucial, and the outcome could significantly impact Celtic’s ambitions for the season ahead.