Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, a permanent transfer from Aston Villa, became Celtic’s first summer transfer window addition this week.
In order to contend for the number one jersey left vacant by Joe Hart at the conclusion of the last campaign, the Finland international has signed a long-term contract with the Hoops.
But he’s not the only goalie on the way up; old standout Kasper Schmeichel is supposedly close to agreeing to a one-year deal at Parkhead.
In addition, Celtic and Benfica have agreed to a cost of £3.5 million so that Paulo Bernardo may join them permanently following his 2023–2024 loan stint in Glasgow.
Attacking reinforcements could be on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers after current first-choice striker Kyogo Furuhashi endured a difficult season last term in front of goal for the Scottish giants.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s dip in form
You could have forgiven the manager and the supporters for being excited about the prospect of what the Japan international could do in the 2023/24 campaign. He was coming off the back of an exceptional season under Ange Postecoglou, who he fired in goals for on a consistent basis in the Scottish Premiership. Kyogo won the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award for his efforts in the Premiership during the 2022/23 campaign, as the striker produced an outstanding rate of scoring.
| 22/23 Premiership | Kyogo Furuhashi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 27 |
| Big chances missed | 16 |
| Conversion rate | 31% |
| Left foot goals | 12 |
| Right foot goals | 14 |
| Stats via Sofascore | |
Kyogo finished the 2023–24 Premiership season with 14 goals and an incredible 24 “big chances” wasted in 38 league games. His conversion rate was only 14%, which was less than half of what it was 31% the year before.
These 14 goals were scored by the 29-year-old attacker with an xG of 18.39, an underperformance of -4.39. He was incredibly wasteful in the latter third for the Scottish powerhouse, as evidenced by the fact that no other player on the team underperformed his xG by more than -2.78.
Now, it will be up to Rodgers and Kyogo to collaborate on the training field to improve his performances and return him to his best before the 2024–25 season begins at Parkhead next month against Kilmarnock.
Kyogo finished the 2023–24 Premiership season with 14 goals and an incredible 24 “big chances” wasted in 38 league games. His conversion rate was only 14%, which was less than half of what it was 31% the year before.
These 14 goals were scored by the 29-year-old attacker with an xG of 18.39, an underperformance of -4.39. He was incredibly wasteful in the latter third for the Scottish powerhouse, as evidenced by the fact that no other player on the team underperformed his xG by more than -2.78.
Now, it will be up to Rodgers and Kyogo to collaborate on the training field to improve his performances and return him to his best before the 2024–25 season begins at Parkhead next month against Kilmarnock.
Celtic’s interest in wing wizard
Belgian writer Sacha Tavolieri recently revealed that the Bhoys are eager to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha, a forward for Royal Antwerp FC, during the summer.
Before the summer transfer window closes, Celtic and the player’s representatives may make a bid to bring the Belgian winger to Glasgow.
Tavolieri stated that negotiations between the Hornets and Antwerp are now anticipated to take place in order to work out a contract for the 23-year-old wing wizard prior to the upcoming campaign.
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