Kyogo post-Celtic nightmare continues as striker left out again

The National

03-05-2025

The Japanese striker has endured a challenging time in France since his transfer to Ligue 1 from Celtic in January.
Kyogo is still searching for his first goal for his new club and it definitely won't come in the league tie against Toulouse this evening.
The striker is not named in the starting XI or substitutes for Rennes with manager Habib Beye opting against including Kyogo in his squad for the match.
He is thought to be fit for the match but is not involved.
Kyogo, 30, has played just six times for Rennes since his transfer move away from Celtic. He endured a spell out of contention due to a shoulder injury.
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Manager Beye said just last month that Kyogo was an integral part of the team, despite almost ignoring him since taking charge.
Kyogo had signed under Jorge Sampaoli but quickly the manager was removed from his post with Beye appointed as his successor.
"Even if he doesn't get the minutes he would like, he is an integral part of my squad," said Beye.
"Kyogo's lack of playing time doesn't mean he doesn't meet my expectations, otherwise he wouldn't be in the squad and he wouldn't come on as a sub.
"He's a quality player and he will bring something to the team, I'm convinced of that."
Maintaining his confidence that the transfer switch will come good, Kyogo said in March: "I am gaining confidence. I'm putting my all into the game and showing my skills every day, and my time is increasing little by little.
"I think I'm almost there. I will actively work on it and practice onwards for next season."