Since Julian Alvarez’s departure, Crickex Affiliate sources reveal that Manchester City have been actively exploring options to fill the gap up front. However, finding the right striker has proven tricky. Top-tier forwards are reluctant to join City just to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland. No one wants to follow Alvarez’s footsteps into a limited role, especially with ambitions of leading a team themselves. Others simply don’t meet Pep Guardiola’s high standards, as City demands results, not just potential.

That said, City’s need for a backup striker is urgent. With the club fighting on multiple fronts, Haaland’s injury struggles last season caused Pep no small amount of stress. The club is determined not to repeat that scenario. As the transfer window inches toward its close, a potential solution has finally surfaced. Crickex Affiliate reports from multiple outlets confirm that Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has emerged as a serious candidate.

The 29-year-old Japanese forward has been in red-hot form since arriving in the Scottish Premiership. To date, he has scored 73 goals in 135 appearances for Celtic, showcasing remarkable consistency and efficiency. Alongside fellow Japanese talents like Daizen Maeda, Kyogo has helped keep Celtic at the top of Scottish football, earning praise across Europe. Former Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou, now at Tottenham, has spoken highly of Kyogo’s influence—his impact being a major factor in the rising appreciation of Japanese players.

Pep’s admiration for Kyogo isn’t unfounded. With Wataru Endo thriving at Liverpool, Takehiro Tomiyasu contributing at Arsenal, Kaoru Mitoma starring at Brighton, and Daichi Kamada making his mark at Crystal Palace, Japanese players have earned trust across the Premier League. Kyogo, while not young, may be one of the few willing to embrace a backup role behind Haaland, viewing a Manchester City move as a career-defining step up.

However, concerns remain. At 29, Kyogo is entering the latter stage of his prime, and reports indicate he’s carrying a shoulder injury. While not severe, proper treatment would sideline him for up to four months—something City can ill afford. The decision now lies with Kyogo: chase a rare chance at a superclub or opt for stability elsewhere.

If Kyogo declines or City withdraw due to fitness doubts, Crickex Affiliate sources believe Guardiola will shift gears and target a younger striker—one who can grow into a support role and eventually challenge for a bigger part in City’s long-term attacking plans.