“Celtic isn’t like Rangers; you can’t convince me that such a small amount is a fair fee for a 30-year-old. In modern football, that’s nothing for a game-changer like him,” said former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, continuing his criticism of Kyogo’s January transfer to Rennes for what he considers an inflated price. This move coincides with Jota’s return to Celtic.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has continued to criticize Kyogo’s January transfer to Rennes for a reported £10 million.
With Jota returning to Celtic, Kyogo is heading in the opposite direction to join Jorge Sampaoli’s side.
Kyogo has cemented his place as one of the best strikers Celtic has had in the past 20 years, with some even considering him the best since Henrik Larsson.
His remarkable record over three and a half years at the club highlights his importance. With 85 goals in 165 appearances, including 3 league titles, 3 league cups, and 2 Scottish Cups, Kyogo has consistently delivered in crucial matches like Glasgow derbies, cup finals, and European fixtures.
He has gone from an unknown player in Japan to becoming the Hoops’ star player.
Signed as a replacement for Odsonne Édouard in the summer of 2021, Kyogo’s achievements at Celtic make Édouard’s time at the club seem less significant by comparison, demonstrating just how well Kyogo has performed.
His unexpected move to Ligue 1 has caused understandable disappointment among fans and followers of the club.
Sutton believes Kyogo’s departure indicates that Celtic are satisfied with their current position, particularly after securing a spot in the Champions League knockout stages.
He remarked to the Daily Record: “You can tell me £10 million is a good fee for a 30-year-old, but that’s nothing in modern football for a game-changer.
And 30 isn’t old—look at Mo Salah at Liverpool. Celtic aren’t in a financial crisis like Rangers. Why not push for the next level?”
While Sutton’s point is valid, it’s important to note that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers stated in Friday’s press conference that Kyogo has wanted to leave for several months, suggesting that the forward has been unsettled for a while.
Despite this, Kyogo has still contributed with 10 goals and 3 assists in 22 league appearances this season.
Kyogo’s move to Rennes appears to be motivated by his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup.
Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu reportedly doesn’t value the Scottish Premiership as highly, even though he regularly selects Kyogo’s teammate, Daizen Maeda.
For Kyogo, the move to Ligue 1 is about securing a spot on the national team and competing in higher-profile competitions, rather than a reflection of Celtic’s ambitions.