Brendan Rodgers has already brought Jota back with Tierney to come but is warned Kyogo would be one too many
Celtic fans will be delighted to have Jota back, but he won’t get a chance to link back up with Kyogo(Image: 2022 SNS Group)
Celtic have been warned against bringing back yet another former star during the transfer window.
The Hoops managed to recapture Jota last summer after his big money Saudi Arabia Pro League move became a nightmare and his escape to Rennes did not go to plan.
Kieran Tierney is due to come home when his Arsenal contract runs out this summer and will wear his beloved Hoops again six years after leaving for North London.
There was surprise when Celtic sold Kyogo to Rennes in January, especially without lining up a replacement. His stint in France has gone about as well as Jota’s and it has been suggested that the champions should look to bring him back.
But former Scotland striker Paul Dickov has warned against simply going after guys who have done it for you before, and is doubtful whether the Japanese star wold want to return to soon anyway.
“I don’t think they can bring back too many players.,” he told 10bet. “They’ve already done it this season.
Kyogo Furuhashi of Stade Rennes(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
“They’re bringing Tierney back as we mentioned. Kyogo, I’m slightly surprised that Celtic sold him at the time when they did.
“But would he come back? I don’t know. It’s difficult for that to happen. They’ve already had a couple of players doing that already. If you have another one to come and do it, I would say it would be very unlikely.”
Jeffrey Schlupp’s loan from Crystal Palace is due to end and his contract at Selhurst Park is p in a few weeks. And despite Tierney’s homecoming and Greg Taylor being offered a new deal, Dickov would offer the former Leciester man the chance to sign permanently.
“Yeah, I would. I have known Jeffrey since he was a young player at Leicester,” he said. “He’s got versatility about him. He can play left back, he can play left wing, he can play in centre midfield. He started out as a centre forward, as well. I think having a player like that in your team with quality as well that can play a number of positions.
“I don’t know what his situation is at Crystal Palace. It looks as if maybe he is surplus to requirements or they wouldn’t have let him go out and loan in the first place, but I think he’ll be a wonderful signing for Celtic because he’s got a lot of qualities, and as I said, that versatility is going to make him really attractive to sign permanently if he’s available at a good price.”
Daizen Maeda in action for Celtic
Meanwhile, Leeds have been urged to take a gamble on Daizen Maeda.
The forward has enjoyed a prolific season, especially after being shifted to a central striking role following Kyogo’s departure.
Leeds have been linked with a move, and Lee Hendrie reckons he fits the profile and budget enough to make sense for the Elland Road club.
“I’ve said all along that Leeds are going to be linked with so many centre-forwards.,” he told Football League world. “Patrick Bamford probably isn’t going to be around, [Joel] Piroe has done very well but I think at times he’s more of a 10, so they do need someone who is a bit more prolific.
“He [Maeda] has got experience and he’s scored goals. The jump from coming down from Scotland to stepping into a Leeds side who will be expected to compete, you do think it could be half a gamble.
“But when you look at the numbers he has produced for Celtic, I don’t think it would be a bad signing. This is going to be a tough one to call.
“Leeds will be linked with most strikers that are available or in their region of budget and I think he will be one of them.”
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport’s newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.