Rodgers: Kyogo happy and enjoying life at Celtic amid transfer speculation

Brendan Rodgers insists star striker Kyogo Furuhashi is happy and enjoying life at Celtic amid speculation linking him with a move away from the club.

The manager is also content that the Scottish champions are well-prepared to deal with whatever comes their way during the January transfer window.

Rodgers laughed off comments claiming that the Japan international never celebrated his goals against Ross County as much as usual and has no concerns over his ongoing commitment to the club.

Kyogo has been linked with a move to Atlanta United in recent weeks and the rumours were heightened when the MLS published an article saying the deal was done before hastily deleting it and issuing an apology to Celtic and the player.

Speaking ahead of their game against Dundee at Dens Park on Tuesday, Rodgers said: “With Kyogo I think you can see, and I can see on a daily basis, his work rate and his intensity. People will always look into something and say ‘he didn’t celebrate enough or he’s not doing this or not doing that’.

“Maybe he just scores so much that he doesn’t feel he needs to celebrate madly all the time, or maybe he was just too cold, but he’s just the same guy.

“There will always be speculation, and we aren’t scared of the speculation when it comes, so there will always be wee bits and pieces around him but he’s fine and will travel tomorrow.”

When asked if Celtic would have a plan in place if an offer came in that they couldn’t refuse before the end of the window, Rodgers says he would be confident they would be prepared for any eventuality.

He said: “You have to be prepared for all these ‘what ifs’, but the biggest thing will always be that if a player doesn’t want to be here, then go. Then at that point the club has to get the best possible deal.

“I’ve never seen the point in keeping someone who doesn’t want to be here. For us it’s about being prepared for all eventualities, whether that’s injuries or transfers, I think you just always have to be ready.

“But for Kyogo at this point in time, he’s happy, working well, scoring goals and enjoying his football.”