Reported pursuit of Kristijan Lovric hints at Kyogo Furuhashi Celtic role

By John McGinley

July 25, 2021

Celtic have been formally linked with another player this weekend, Croatian international Kristijan Lovric.

The prolific winger plays for HNK Gorica in his homeland where he’s been showing dynamite form.

Last season, for example, he scored 18 goals in 32 appearances, with seven assists bolstering that impact. [Transfermarkt]

Positionally, he’s an interesting target. He plays for his club primarily on the left flank, which as we know is a real priority area for Celtic.

Currently Celtic only have the seemingly departing Ryan Christie and the constantly injured Mikey Johnston on that side.

However, the club have also signed Kyogo Furuhashi from Vissel Kobe. Now, Furuhashi has played on the left-wing for the majority of his career. But there is thinking that he will actually be deployed as more of a through-the-middle attacker at Celtic.

The Japanese talent has increasingly been transitioning to this area over the years. This season he’s been played centrally almost exclusively in the J-League. [Transfermarkt]

Lovric pursuit hints at Celtic intentions for Furuhashi

If Lovric is indeed on the transfer wishlist and this isn’t just media talk, then Ange Postecoglou is clearly aiming to utilise Furuhashi as a striker too.

Increasingly, it seems like the 26-year-old may in fact be the designated Odsonne Edouard replacement, with a left-winger still to come into the club.

That’s not really how the signing has been perceived by many so far, but it makes sense to me.

Furuhashi will be our star man through the middle, Lovric or another will fire in from the left and Liel Abada or James Forrest can make an impact on the right.

Of course, there’s a long way to go until Lovric is in the door. Even Croatian media isn’t saying it’s a done deal. So let’s wait and see.

However, it certainly feels like Celtic’s attacking signings aren’t over, even if the defence is more of a priority.

In other news, David Moyes backs young Celtic defence, bullish about UCL chances, praises Bhoys fans.