Kyogo Furuhashi: Position, transfer fee, style of play, stats & more

Manchester City have reportedly identified Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi as a replacement for the departed Julian Alvarez.

The defending Premier League champions are assessing whether to make a foray in the transfer window and Kyogo is one of several individuals that the club are monitoring.

Signed from Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe in 2021, Kyogo has been a scintillating success at Celtic Park, netting 73 goals in 135 appearances for the Glasgow giants.

We examine Kyogo's profile and potential in the latest instalment of In Focus.

Kyogo Furuhashi nationality & background

Kyogo Furuhashi is 29 years of age and was born on 20th January 1995.

He hails from the city of Ikoma, Japan and attended Chuo University, where he was selected for the All Japan University team.

Kyogo Furuhashi transfer fee and contract

Kyogo signed a new four-year contract with Celtic in the summer of 2023.

Reports indicate that the Bhoys will demand at least £20million for his services.

What to expect from Kyogo Furuhashi

Position

Kyogo is a versatile attacker who has predominantly operated as a centre forward for Celtic.

He's capable of operating on either flank and has even served as a viable option as a second striker, similar to the role Alvarez performed when accompanying Erling Haaland in attack.

Height and build

Kyogo stands at 5ft 7in and is of a slender build.

A player with an abundance of energy, Kyogo is quick, nimble and a clinical marksman, as displayed by his impressive goal record in Scotland.

Preferred foot

Kyogo is predominantly right-footed. The Japanese ace has a variety of finishes in his locker and is more than dependable with his left.

Style of play

With a tendency to lean off the last defender and make a series of runs in-behind, Kyogo is a difficult figure to contain with his electrifying energy and relentless movement.

Working tirelessly to press and close down opposition, his contributions when out of possession have made him an invaluable figure in the eyes of Brendan Rodgers.

Boasting great composure in the final third, Kyogo is an effective finisher.

Stats

Kyogo Furuhashi 2023/24 statistics

Metric	Total	SPL standing
xG	19.11	Top 1%
Shots on Target	37	Top 10%
xA	3.04	Top 10%
Touches in opposition box	152	Top 8%
Blocks	32	Top 4%

(Source: FotMob - percentages based on comparison to all players in the 2023/24 Scottish Premier League)

Career so far

Previous clubs

After finishing his University studies, Kyogo was offered professional terms by J2-League club FC Gifu in 2017.

With a return of 11 goals midway through the 2018 season, the forward had attracted the attention of a raft of Japan's top club and was eventually courted by J1-League outfit Vissel Kobe.

Kyogo helped Vissel to their first major title in the 2019 Emperor's Cup and was an instrumental figure in the club's progression to the semi-finals of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

The appointment of Ange Postecoglou at Celtic saw the Bhoys sample the Japanese market and Kyogo was acquired for a £4.5m fee in the summer of 2021.

He was an instant hit in Glasgow, scoring 20 goals in his debut season to earn a spot in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.

International caps

Kyogo's success with Vissel Kobe earned recognition on the international stage and he made his debut for Japan against Venezuela in 2019.

The forward has since made a further 20 appearances for the national team, though he was a surprise omission from Hajime Moriyasu's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

What he could bring to Manchester City

Consistent, dependable and an individual who's unlikely to disrupt team harmony, Kyogo has all of the qualities to become an extremely useful asset for Pep Guardiola as Manchester City adapt to the increased demands of a revamped UEFA Champions League format.

Squad depth will be more crucial than ever as teams look to compete on all fronts and the Citizens may be hard-pressed to find a figure of Kyogo's calibre who may be willing to perform in a bit-part role.

Even if Kyogo was unable to force his way into Guardiola's starting XI, his verve and endeavour would make him a dangerous tool from the substitutes bench.

Kyogo Furuhashi: What they said

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.

- Ange Postecoglou after Celtic's Old Firm victory in April 2023 (Sky Sports)

I love him as a person, he’s a beautiful person and he’s an exceptional footballer.

- Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart (BBC)