Celtic's search for a replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi has lasted 525 days, spanning three transfer windows and eight forwards, none of whom have filled the void left by the Japanese striker's 85 goals in 165 appearances. Now, the club is closing in on a deal for Qarabag's Camilo Duran, a Colombian forward who scored five goals in the Champions League last season.
The Kyogo Void
Kyogo's razor-sharp movement, predatory instincts, two-footed finishing, and explosive pace made him a hero at Celtic Park. Since his departure, the club has spent millions on forwards like Kelechi Iheanacho, who lacked fitness and speed; Callum Osmand, a future prospect; and Sebastian Tounekti, who has shown flashes but frustrates. Others—Michel-Ange Balakwisha, Shin Yamada, Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, and Joel Mvuka—have not come close to matching Kyogo's impact.
Duran's Champions League Pedigree
Duran, 24, netted five times in 10 Champions League appearances for Qarabag, matching the goal tally of Vinicius Junior, Michael Olise, and Viktor Gyokeres. His goals came against Benfica, Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Newcastle United. In the group stage, he scored a left-footed angled shot against Benfica and a clever lob over Ajax's goalkeeper. Against Eintracht Frankfurt, he scored a close-range tap-in, and in the knockout play-off against Newcastle, he outpaced Dan Burn to score a cool right-footed finish.
Statistics and Potential
Last season, Duran recorded 15 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. His mentor at Independiente Medellin, Sebastian Botero, said: "It was a risk for him going to Azerbaijan - he was a pioneer for Colombian footballers there. It has been the making of him and he has matured so much on the pitch. Camilo can keep improving and become one of the most progressive players in Europe and earn a nice move to a bigger club."
Transfer Details
Talks with Qarabag are advancing, with an asking price of around £3 million. Failure to secure a deal could damage Celtic's relationship with fans. The club is also monitoring former Aberdeen target Tobias Lauritsen, a 6ft 3in Norwegian striker available on a free transfer after leaving Sparta Rotterdam, with 52 goals in 139 appearances in the Netherlands.
