John Hartson confident ‘absolutely fantastic’ Celtic star will stay despite rumours

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John Hartson has expressed confidence in Celtic keeping Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Kyogo at the club beyond the summer.

The Bhoys legend stated that Kyogo looks ‘very happy’ at Parkhead after winning the Treble under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou last season, as he told The Daily Mail.

But now that Ange is at Tottenham, there have been suggestions that he would want to reunite with his former player in the Premier League.

Hartson admitted that Spurs have ‘big money’, but he is hopeful that Celtic can ‘fend off’ any interest from the north London club.

The key thing here is that the 28-year-old isn’t actively pushing for a move, which helps the champions, but at his age, if a team in England’s top-flight comes knocking, then it will probably be hard to turn down.

It will probably be even harder if it’s his former manager, but whatever happens, Celtic have to put a big price-tag on his head, as Hartson shared his thoughts.

“I think Kyogo may want another shot at the Champions League,” said Hartson. “He was brilliant in the Scottish Premiership last season. Some of his finishes for his 34 goals were world class and his movement is absolutely fantastic.

“Kyogo will want to show he can go and do it at the highest level. I hope he puts that right next season. I certainly think he’s very capable of doing that.

“Of course, you want to keep all your best players. Ange might come back and test Celtic’s resolve, but hopefully Celtic can fend off any offers and Brendan Rodgers can show Kyogo that he really wants him as a key part of his setup.

“I wouldn’t want Celtic to sell Kyogo but Tottenham have massive money so it’s going to be up to Celtic, the board, the player, and Brendan Rodgers. But I do think Kyogo looks very happy at Celtic. He’s just off a Treble so why wouldn’t he be?”

Kyogo under Rodgers

If Brendan Rodgers is to start where he previously left off at Celtic, then someone like Kyogo is going to be very, very crucial to his success.

Everyone knows that the former Leicester boss has the minerals to talk in the Premiership, it’s just a case of transcending that into the Champions League.

That will probably prove to be Celtic and Rodgers’ biggest test because, if it goes wrong anywhere else, then there will be serious heat coming towards the Northern Irishman.