Manchester City’s Final Moves: Welcoming Gundogan and Eyeing Kyogo Furuhashi
Manchester City fans are eagerly anticipating the return of a familiar face as Ilkay Gundogan is set to rejoin the club, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. As the transfer deadline approaches, speculation is growing that Pep Guardiola may have another ace up his sleeve, with reports suggesting that Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi is on City’s radar. This potential addition could be a game-changer, especially given the glowing endorsement Furuhashi has received from his former manager, Ange Postecoglou.
Gundogan’s Return: A Homecoming
Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City has been the talk of the town, especially after a whirlwind few days that saw his future thrown into doubt. Just last weekend, rumors swirled that Barcelona, where Gundogan spent just one season, were ready to part ways with the midfielder. This unexpected twist left many City fans hoping for a reunion, and it appears their wishes are about to be granted.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Gundogan’s move back to City is all but confirmed. The player was even spotted at an airport on Wednesday, further fueling the speculation. For City, Gundogan’s return is a significant boost. The German international was a pivotal figure during his previous stint at the Etihad, known for his leadership, technical prowess, and ability to score crucial goals.
Gundogan’s experience and familiarity with Guardiola’s system make him an ideal addition as City look to defend their Premier League title and make another push for Champions League glory. But while the return of Gundogan is a major storyline, it’s not the only one unfolding at City as the transfer deadline looms.
Kyogo Furuhashi: The Next Big Move?
Amid the excitement of Gundogan’s return, another name has emerged as a potential target for Manchester City—Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi. The Japanese forward has been making waves in Scotland since his arrival at Celtic Park in 2021, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by some of Europe’s top clubs.
City’s interest in Kyogo comes at a time when they could use reinforcements in attack, especially after the sale of Julian Alvarez. Kyogo, who scored in Celtic’s thrilling 4-3 victory over City during a pre-season friendly in the United States, has proven his ability to perform on big stages. With 73 goals in 135 appearances for Celtic, along with 16 assists, Kyogo has established himself as a prolific and versatile forward.
What makes this potential move even more intriguing is the connection between Kyogo and Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, who brought the forward to Celtic. Postecoglou’s assessment of Kyogo, shared just before he left Celtic for Spurs, paints a picture of a player who could thrive under Guardiola’s guidance at City.
Ange Postecoglou’s Praise: A Glimpse into Kyogo’s Potential
In April 2023, Ange Postecoglou spoke highly of Kyogo Furuhashi, highlighting his qualities both on and off the pitch. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Postecoglou said, “I’ve said it a few times, from the moment this guy arrived he’s been outstanding. 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.”
These comments provide valuable insight into the type of player Kyogo is—hardworking, determined, and effective in crucial moments. For a team like Manchester City, which prides itself on its high work rate and tactical discipline, Kyogo’s attributes would make him a natural fit.
Postecoglou didn’t stop there. He also praised Kyogo’s resilience and winning mentality, saying, “There’s not much of him out there and he’s up against big strong defenders who get very physical with him at times. But make no mistake, he’s a winner. I’ve seen it first-hand.”
This “winner” mentality is precisely what Guardiola seeks in his players. City’s dressing room is filled with individuals who know how to win, and adding someone with Kyogo’s mindset could only strengthen the squad. Moreover, Postecoglou’s comments about Kyogo’s character off the pitch—describing him as “outstanding” as a person—would likely resonate with Guardiola, who values strong personalities and positive influences within his team.
Fitting into Guardiola’s System
Kyogo Furuhashi’s potential move to Manchester City isn’t just about adding another talented player to the roster; it’s about finding someone who can seamlessly integrate into Guardiola’s system. City’s style of play demands not only technical skill but also an unrelenting work ethic and the ability to follow intricate tactical instructions.
Kyogo has already demonstrated his capacity to adapt and excel in different environments, from Japan’s J.League to Scotland’s Premiership. His versatility as a forward—capable of playing centrally or on the wing—would provide Guardiola with additional options in attack, particularly following Alvarez’s departure.
Moreover, Kyogo’s ability to press high, track back, and contribute defensively aligns with Guardiola’s philosophy, where every player is expected to participate in both phases of the game. This all-around contribution is what makes Kyogo an intriguing prospect for City.
The Final Countdown
As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, Manchester City fans have plenty to look forward to. The return of Ilkay Gundogan will undoubtedly be celebrated, bringing back a player who has already achieved so much with the club. But the potential addition of Kyogo Furuhashi could be the cherry on top, adding a new dimension to City’s attack and providing Guardiola with yet another weapon in his arsenal.
With Postecoglou’s ringing endorsement and Kyogo’s impressive track record, City’s interest in the Japanese forward is understandable. If the deal goes through, it could be one of the most exciting moves of the summer, setting the stage for an even more formidable Manchester City side as they pursue success on all fronts.
