CELTIC talisman Kyogo Furuhashi has penned a bumper new four-year deal at Parkhead.
Just hours after fellow key man Jota exited for Saudi Arabia, the Hoops revealed they’d secured their leading striker for the long haul.
Kyogo, 28, is now under contract at Parkhead until 2027 – two more years than he had on his existing contract.
It’s a huge boost for Celtic to tie down their man man for an extended period.
Several clubs have been credited with an interest in signing him, with former Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou – the man who brought him to Scottish football – having been keen to reunite with him at Tottenham Hotspur.
But with other clubs in England and across Europe monitoring the Japan international, doubts over his future have been brought to an end.
Committing his future to Celtic, the striker stated his desire to help the club defend their treble success and make an impact on the continental stage.
Kyogo told the Celtic website: “I am very happy to extend my stay for four years at this incredible club. It is an honour to represent Celtic Football Club and our amazing supporters.
“Last season was unbelievable. From the start of the campaign, our aim was to do as well as we could in every competition we played in.
“We worked very hard every day, on and off the pitch, to win silverware and put smiles on our fans’ faces.
Most read in Football
“To win my first Treble, and help secure a world record breaking eighth Treble for the club was a very proud moment for me and I cherish the memories of celebrating this with our fans.
“They have been so supportive of me since I joined Celtic so I will work hard to repay them.
“Next season our objective is the same – to bring success to our club. I am excited to defend our trophies and the opportunity to represent this huge club in the Champions League. My personal motivation is to score more goals and help my team-mates win matches.
“I am looking forward to getting started and working with Brendan. He is a top-level manager, he knows the club and knows what it takes to win silverware here. I and my team mates are looking forward to working with him.”
As Kyogo mentioned, he has a new boss to work under in the form of the returning Brendan Rodgers.
The Northern Irishman couldn’t hide his delight at keeping a hold of the man who has been so integral to the club’s success.
Rodgers added: “It is brilliant news for the club. Kyogo is an important player for us so I am delighted he has signed a new contract.
“Kyogo has thrived since he arrived in Scottish football and has shown his outstanding qualities. In two seasons, he has secured five domestic honours, scored over 50 club goals and become a Treble winner. This takes a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice both on and off the pitch.
“He is an exciting player who is hungry to bring more success to our club. He has a great mentality and is an unbelievable talent.
“I am looking forward to working with him and helping him and the wider team develop to help drive the club forward.”
After a superb debut campaign at Celtic, Kyogo – signed from Vissel Kobe two years ago – took things to another level last season.
He was the Hoops’ top scorer with 34 goals – including 27 in a prolific Premiership campaign – as he inspired the club to the domestic treble.
Read More On The Sun
The honours came pouring in for Kyogo, who was named both the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and SFWA Footballer of the Year.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
