CELTIC CONFIDENTIAL: Could Brendan Rodgers’ talisman be set for a Champions League swansong before seeking pastures new?

Atlanta United are preparing to admit defeat in their quest to sign Kyogo Furuhashi from Celtic.

Mail Sport revealed the US team’s long-standing interest in the striker last month.

With two designated player spots available ahead of the kickoff of a new MLS season next month, the ambitious team is looking for a big forward.

Atlanta are willing to pay around £10 million to land the Japanese talisman in the summer window and remain interested in signing Kyogo.

However, reports appeared in the American media on Sunday that interest had ‘cooled off’.

The reason for this is that Kyogo wants to commit to Atlanta United less than Atlanta United wants to commit to him.

The Parkhead talisman turned 30 on January 25 and changed agents last year. Despite being under contract until 2027, he feels ready for one last big contract after winning all the domestic trophies in Scotland.

Despite the appointment of former Celtic boss Ronny Deila as Atlanta’s new coach, the forward is keen to explore all his options before deciding whether to stay or leave. And the club nicknamed ‘The Five Stripes’ are now exploring alternatives, turning their attention to former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard and Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Kyogo could still leave Celtic after the Champions League games against Young Boys and Aston Villa if an offer suitable for all parties emerges before the end of the period

“With all these what-if scenarios, you have to be [prepared]Brendan Rodgers said Monday.

“I think the most important thing is that if a player doesn’t want to be here, he or she should go. And when the time comes, the club must get the best possible deal.

“So I never see the point in keeping someone who doesn’t want to be here. For us they are all eventualities. For Kyogo, he is happy right now. He works well, he scores goals and enjoys his football.’

Barry could solve problems on the left wing… but he is a man in demand

Celtic are keen to land Louie Barry from Aston Villa after the winger was recalled by his parent club from a productive loan spell at Stockport County.

The 21-year-old, who can play on the left flank or through the middle, scored 16 times in 24 games in the first half of the season for the English League One side.

Villa manager Unai Emery, who completed a deal to sign Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund for £21 million, plans to take over Barry this month.

Rodgers is interested in a loan deal, but that could prove difficult as Villa have already reached almost their full foreign loan quota under Premier League rules.

Middlesbrough and Leeds are also in the running for a player who has represented both England and the Republic of Ireland at youth international level.

Why Rodgers isn’t ready to give up on Yang just yet

Given his lack of first-team football, it felt as if Yang Hjun-jun had all but become a lost cause at Celtic.

Most supporters expected him to leave the club at some point this season, whether that was in the summer or during the January transfer window.

But it now looks like Brendan Rodgers could be ready to hand him a lifeline, with Yang starting recent games against Dundee United and Ross County.

The Celtic boss is not giving up on the Korean winger and, at 22, still feels Yang could develop into a player who deserves more regular first-team football.

Earlier this week, Rodgers was asked about coaching Yang and how he planned to help him take his game to a new level.

“Well, that’s just time and patience and getting somewhere as a player and that mentality as well,” Rodgers said.

‘We always work and give our best for all the players. It’s exactly what their talent is and how that will accelerate in the future.

“But he is a young guy who has adapted so well to coming from Korea and now speaks English and translates with the players. It’s a huge testament to him. He’s a really good boy.

“Like I said, we have to look at it. But right now, with no more players, he comes in and works really hard.”

Holm’s prospects for a return are as remote as a galaxy far, far away

There was a time – many moons ago – when you would have done well to have a quiet afternoon pint or visit the local bookmakers without bumping into a professional footballer.

Unfortunately, those pesky sports scientists and the rules that prevent players from gambling have put an end to that.

What do today’s players do when they leave the training field?

Some apparently try their best to cook. Others simply immerse themselves in the latest Netflix box set.

However, Odin Thiago Holm’s idea of ​​peaceful relaxation is building Lego. But not just any Lego. Star Wars Lego. And a lot of it.

Before putting the finishing touches to his move to Los Angeles FC this week, Celtic’s Norwegian midfielder showed off his vast collection of completed pieces on Instagram.

Worth an estimated £5,000 and filling several shelves in his Glasgow apartment, it’s hoped Holm doesn’t plan to drag the whole lot to his temporary home in California.

If only he had been as adept at piecing together moves on the field as he is clever at piecing together small pieces of plastic.

He stood out when he first arrived from Valerenga in 2023, but has never had a long run in the team under Brendan Rodgers.

He made just nine appearances in his first season. His most notable contribution was the night he was sent off against Feyenoord.

Was not included in this year’s Champions League squad and has not made any selection since the League Cup match against Falkirk on September 22. The last of his three performances took place on August 25 in St Mirren.

It is not inconceivable that he will return to his parent club at the end of the year and impress for the second time.

But right now, that prospect feels as distant as a galaxy that’s very far away.

Celtic women are hoping that breakthrough will bring a ray of sunshine to the league campaign

During their winter training camp in Gran Canaria, Celtic’s women recharged their batteries, played a friendly against a Spanish side and took the opportunity to make a few tactical changes to their approach.

With a new formation, they made a successful return to competition at New Douglas Park on Sunday, recording a 4-2 win against Partick Thistle to keep them in the hunt for their Premier League title.

It wasn’t their most ruthless performance. Saoirse Noonan’s opener was canceled out by Thistle’s Carla Boyce and they spent much of the second half frustrated by their opponents.

But Noonan eventually doubled her total with 15 minutes to go, before substitutes Kelly Clark and Maria McAneny ensured Demi Falconer’s late goal was just a consolation.

McAneny believes that while they had to be patient against Thistle, the work done over the winter break will soon pay off.

“When you come back from a break you need some time to get used to it, especially when you get used to different playing patterns and stuff,” the midfielder said.

‘But all girls are more than capable of doing that. The more minutes and games we get, and the more we do it in training, it just becomes second nature to us.”

Now out of the Champions League, Celtic can concentrate on their domestic commitments. Although they are nine points behind leaders Glasgow City, they will aim to take full advantage of the two remaining matches.

Next up is a league match at home to Aberdeen on Wednesday evening. Then comes the Sky Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers on Sunday. It’s a demanding start to the new year for Elena Sadiku’s team.