Chris Sutton Revealed Celtic would welcome ‘Former Star return’ despite transfer implications

Chris Sutton Revealed that Celtic Would Welcome star Return Despite Transfer Implications
Chris Sutton believes Celtic would have little choice but to welcome Kyogo Furuhashi back to the club, even if such a move would amount to a damaging admission over their recent transfer decisions. The former Celtic striker and current pundit has insisted that sentiment, form and proven quality would outweigh any embarrassment surrounding a potential reunion with the Japanese forward.
Kyogo’s departure left a significant void in Celtic’s attacking line, one that Sutton feels has not been adequately filled. While the club moved quickly to reshape their forward options, Sutton argues that none have replicated Kyogo’s unique influence on the pitch. His movement, intelligence and knack for scoring crucial goals remain benchmarks that current strikers are still chasing.
Speaking candidly, Sutton admitted that bringing Kyogo back would inevitably raise questions about Celtic’s recruitment strategy. Allowing a player of his calibre to leave, only to seek his return, would underline a miscalculation. However, Sutton made it clear that football decisions should ultimately be about performance and results rather than pride.
Kyogo’s time at Celtic was defined by moments that swung titles, derbies and European nights. His instinctive finishing and relentless pressing quickly made him a favourite among supporters. Sutton believes that connection still matters, especially at a club where momentum and emotion often play decisive roles in a season.
From Sutton’s perspective, Celtic’s current situation highlights just how difficult Kyogo was to replace. While new arrivals have shown promise in spells, consistency has been elusive. Sutton suggested that the Japanese forward’s understanding of Celtic’s style, the league’s demands and the pressure of expectation would make any reintegration far smoother than relying on an unproven alternative.

The former striker also pointed to Kyogo’s professionalism as a major factor. Sutton noted that Kyogo rarely hid during difficult periods and consistently delivered in high pressure matches. That reliability, he argued, is priceless for a club with domestic dominance to maintain and European credibility to rebuild.
Sutton stopped short of saying Celtic should actively pursue a return, but his stance was clear that the door should never be closed. He stressed that successful clubs are willing to accept uncomfortable truths if it improves the team. In his view, acknowledging a transfer misstep is preferable to persisting with an approach that falls short.
There is also the wider context of Celtic’s ambitions. With expectations to dominate domestically and progress in Europe, Sutton believes proven performers should always be prioritised. Kyogo’s familiarity with the club’s culture and system could offer immediate
impact rather than a long bedding in period.
Supporters Reactions
@SeanCFC79; This just proves what we all knew. Replacing Kyogo was never going to be easy. Sutton is saying what most fans are already thinking.”
@AishaHoops; I don’t care if it looks bad for the board. Football is about winning and Kyogo knows how to win at Celtic.”
@Wallace1888; Some players just fit Celtic. Kyogo was one of them. Sometimes you don’t realise what you’ve lost until it’s gone.”
@Patrick_Hughes; Sutton’s right. Pride doesn’t win titles. Goals do. Kyogo brings goals.”
@NiamhK_CFC;Would it feel like a step back? Maybe. Would it make us better immediately? Absolutely.”
fans remain divided on the idea of a return. Some see it as a backward step, questioning whether the club should focus on long term development instead. Others, echoing Sutton’s view, argue that football is cyclical and that bringing back a player who understands the club can be a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Sutton addressed that debate by highlighting Celtic’s history. He pointed out that the club has never been afraid to revisit past solutions when the circumstances are right. What matters most, he said, is whether the player improves the team on the pitch.
Ultimately, Sutton’s comments reflect a pragmatic outlook. He accepts that a Kyogo return would prompt scrutiny of Celtic’s transfer planning, but believes that elite clubs must be flexible enough to correct course. In a results driven environment, sentiment and logic can sometimes align.
For Sutton, the conclusion is simple. If Kyogo were available and willing, Celtic would be hard pressed to turn him away. Any embarrassment over past decisions would quickly be forgotten if goals returned, performances improved and silverware followed.





