Celtic demonstrated their ambition during the 2024/25 summer transfer window, backing Brendan Rodgers with significant financial support to strengthen the squad. Despite their efforts, the club faced a setback when Brighton & Hove Albion secured the permanent signing of Matt O’Riley. Additionally, players like Mikey Johnston, Hyeon-gyu Oh, Tomoki Iwata, and Saed Haksabanovic departed Parkhead, creating space for fresh talent to join the ranks.
The standout addition was Arne Engels, acquired from Augsburg for a record-breaking £11 million, signaling the board’s determination to bolster the team. Other notable signings included Auston Trusty, brought in from Sheffield United for £6 million, and Adam Idah, whose return from Norwich City came with a potential £9.5 million price tag. Idah’s arrival was aimed at adding competition for Kyogo Furuhashi, whose recent form has raised concerns.
### Kyogo Furuhashi’s Declining Form
Once the epitome of consistency under Ange Postecoglou in the 2022/23 season, Kyogo’s performances have waned since Rodgers’ return. That season, the Japanese forward scored an impressive 27 goals in 36 Scottish Premiership appearances, missing only 16 ‘big chances’ and maintaining a goal every 86 minutes. However, his output dipped significantly in the 2023/24 campaign, with just 14 goals in 38 league matches. Despite ample opportunities, Kyogo squandered 24 ‘big chances,’ highlighting a notable decline in his finishing ability.
Over the last two seasons, Kyogo has managed 19 goals in league play but missed an alarming 38 ‘big chances,’ underscoring his struggles under Rodgers. This inefficiency has prompted the club to explore alternatives, with Adam Idah and a promising loanee, Johnny Kenny, emerging as potential solutions.
| 24/25 Premiership | Kyogo Furuhashi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 12 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Big chances missed | 14 |
| Minutes per goal | 156 |
| Duel success rate | 37% |
| Stats via Sofascore | |
### Adam Idah’s Contributions
Adam Idah returned to Celtic on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell last season, during which he netted nine goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances. His crowning moment came with a decisive 90th-minute winner against Rangers in the SFA Cup final. Despite these heroics, Idah has mostly served as Kyogo’s backup this season, starting only five games across the Premiership and Champions League.
While Idah’s finishing has been an improvement over Kyogo’s, his record remains far from flawless, with as many missed ‘big chances’ as goals scored. At just 23, the Irish forward has time to develop, but Rodgers may seek a more consistent long-term replacement for the Japanese striker.
| Adam Idah (24/25 season) | Champions League | Premiership |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 5 | 10 |
| Starts | 1 | 4 |
| Goals | 1 | 5 |
| Big chances missed | 1 | 5 |
| Duel success rate | 40% | 41% |
| Stats via Sofascore | ||
### Johnny Kenny: A Rising Star
One player who has caught the eye is Johnny Kenny, currently thriving on loan at Shamrock Rovers. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Celtic from Sligo Rovers in 2022, has found his footing after a challenging stint with Queen’s Park. Back in Ireland, Kenny has excelled, earning praise from talent scout Jacek Kulig for his “superb” form.
In European competition, Kenny has been clinical, scoring three goals with just one missed ‘big chance’ in four Conference League outings. Domestically, he has been equally impressive, tallying 13 goals and two assists in 19 starts for Shamrock Rovers. Across all competitions, Kenny has scored 17 goals while missing only 15 ‘big chances,’ demonstrating a level of reliability in front of goal that Celtic’s current strikers lack.
If Kenny can replicate this form in Scotland, he may emerge as the natural successor to Kyogo. Whether Rodgers recalls the young forward in January or waits until the summer, Kenny’s development suggests he could play a pivotal role in Celtic’s future attack.
| 24/25 UEFA Conference League | Johnny Kenny |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 4 |
| xG | 2.47 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Dribbles completed per game | 1.5 |
| Stats via Sofascore | |
Leave a Reply