Sport Nation 2Celtic Football Club made significant moves during the summer transfer window to bolster their squad under Brendan Rodgers, signaling their intent to dominate the 2024/25 season. Despite securing several high-profile signings, questions about the club’s striker options remain, particularly concerning Kyogo Furuhashi’s declining form and the search for his long-term successor.
Strengthening the Squad: Key Signings
The summer transfer window saw Celtic spend heavily to reinforce their squad. The headline signing was Arne Engels, who joined from Bundesliga side Augsburg for a club-record fee of £11 million. The midfielder’s arrival underscored the board’s commitment to supporting Rodgers in his quest for success.
Other notable acquisitions included Auston Trusty from Sheffield United for £6 million and Adam Idah from Norwich City for a fee potentially rising to £9.5 million. Idah, returning to Celtic on a permanent basis after a loan spell, was brought in to provide competition for Furuhashi in the striker’s role.
Kyogo’s Struggles in Front of Goal
Kyogo Furuhashi, once a prolific scorer under Ange Postecoglou, has struggled to maintain his form since Rodgers took over. In the 2022/23 season, Kyogo was sensational, scoring 27 goals in 36 Scottish Premiership appearances and averaging a goal every 86 minutes. However, his form dipped significantly in the subsequent campaign, with only 14 goals in 38 league appearances during the 2023/24 season.
The statistics highlight his inefficiency: Kyogo missed 24 ‘big chances’ in 2023/24, a significant increase from the 16 missed the previous season. This trend has continued into the current season, with the forward scoring only five goals in 12 league games while missing 14 clear opportunities. His minutes-per-goal ratio has also worsened, standing at 156 minutes per goal in the Premiership.
Adam Idah: A Mixed Impact
Adam Idah was signed to challenge Kyogo but has largely been deployed as a backup. The Irish international, who impressed during his loan spell last season with nine goals in 19 appearances, including a memorable winner in the Scottish Cup final, has shown glimpses of promise but remains inconsistent.
This season, Idah has made 15 appearances across the Premiership and Champions League, starting only five games. He has scored six goals and missed six big chances, reflecting a modest but unremarkable contribution. At 23, Idah has room to grow, but his current form suggests he is not yet ready to take on the primary striker role.
The Rise of Johnny Kenny
While Kyogo and Idah face scrutiny, a potential solution to Celtic’s striker dilemma is emerging in the form of Johnny Kenny. The 21-year-old, currently on loan at Shamrock Rovers, has been in sensational form. Kenny has demonstrated his scoring prowess with 13 goals in 19 league starts in Ireland and three goals in four UEFA Conference League appearances. His ability to convert chances has drawn praise, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing his performances as “superb.”
Kenny’s impressive statistics include an xG (expected goals) of 2.47 and only one missed big chance in European competition this season. This efficiency in front of goal contrasts sharply with the wastefulness displayed by Kyogo and Idah. If Kenny can replicate this form in the Scottish Premiership, he could emerge as a viable long-term successor to Kyogo.
Tactical Implications for Rodgers
Rodgers faces critical decisions in managing his forward line. Kyogo’s declining efficiency and Idah’s mixed performances indicate the need for fresh ideas. Kenny’s form in Ireland offers a compelling case for his reintegration into the Celtic squad, either in the January transfer window or at the end of the season.
Kenny’s youth, combined with his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, could provide Celtic with a dynamic new option in attack. However, the transition from the League of Ireland to the Scottish Premiership is significant, and the 21-year-old will need time to adapt to the higher level of competition.
Conclusion: A Future Beyond Kyogo?
Celtic’s investment in their squad shows their ambition, but the forward line remains a work in progress. While Kyogo continues to start despite his struggles, and Idah battles for consistency, Kenny’s emergence adds an exciting dimension to the club’s attacking options.
Rodgers must carefully balance short-term results with long-term planning. Giving Kenny an opportunity to prove himself in Scotland could be the first step in solving Celtic’s striker conundrum and securing a reliable successor to Kyogo for years to come.
Sport nation
Sport Nation 2