Celtic should target striker who could’ve replaced Kyogo in January after Sevilla’s announcement

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Celtic did the right thing by not replacing Kyogo Furuhashi during the January transfer window.

Yes, Kyogo’s exit was sudden, and also a surprise to many, but there wasn’t enough room for the club to manoeuvre and bring in who they really wanted.

Let’s be honest, if a striker had come in, then it probably would have been a rush and panic buy, and going by the number of goals Daizen Maeda scored, it wasn’t needed.

But now, it’s a different story altogether, and with the 2025 summer transfer window officially open, Celtic need to add some serious firepower to their forward line.

Youngster Callum Osmand has been spoken about, but you could argue, Maeda should go wide left next season following Jota’s long-term injury, and then another senior forward should come in to challenge the incoming teenager, and Adam Idah.

And there is one who was linked with a move to Celtic Park in January, who should be right on the club’s radar once more.

• READ MORE: Ross McCormack says possible Callum Osmand signing ‘doesn’t look good’ for Celtic youngster

Celtic’s January transfer plan to replace Kyogo with Kelechi Iheanacho

In the winter, whilst Kyogo wasn’t replaced, it doesn’t mean plenty of names weren’t mentioned to come in for the Japan star.

One name that popped up was Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla; instead, the 28-year-old joined English Championship side Middlesbrough on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Boro missed out on a top-six finish, including a chance for promotion, and then sacked manager Michael Carrick at the end of the campaign.

And Iheanacho didn’t cover himself in glory.

Iheanacho’s season to forget as Sevilla announce Matias Almeyda as new manager

This was a player who once netted 21 goals in 64 games as a youngster for Manchester City, as he showcased serious talent.

But his progression has been rocky, including scoring once for Boro in an unforgettable loan spell, after only scoring three in 11 matches for Sevilla.

The Spanish giants, who usually challenge for Champions League places, finished above the relegation zone after another turbulent 2024/25 season campaign, but have now appointed Matias Almeyda as their new boss.

That new manager announcement was made on Monday, and you presume Almeyda will want to make major changes to his squad if the 2023 Europa League winner want to get back on track.

And given that Iheanacho just hasn’t got going in Seville, then this is Celtic’s chance to bring the Nigeria star in and to rejuvenate his career because he still has a lot to give.

Remember, this is a player Brendan Rodgers knows really well, after he scored 43 goals and supplied 25 assists in 143 matches for the Celtic manager at Leicester City.

It makes perfect sense.