A Kyogo Furuhashi transfer to Atlanta United was mistakenly announced on Wednesday night despite him playing for Celtic soon after.
The Japan international was said to have been ‘acquired’ by the American side in an article posted by the MLS.
While Kyogo has struggled in front of goal this season, he remains a key player for Celtic and one they would be reluctant to lose.
Reports have, however, suggested Atlanta United are willing to pay £10million to land him this month.
There was mass confusion over the MLS’ announcement as the 29-year-old was sat on the Celtic bench as it was released.
The Scottish Sun have reported that the article was posted on the official MLS website at around 19:35 UK time on Wednesday night.
“Atlanta United have a new Designated Player No.9, announcing Wednesday they’ve acquired Kyogo Furuhashi from Scottish Premiership powerhouse Celtic FC,” it read.
It is also said that Kyogo’s contract is valid for the 2025 season and there is an option for him to play in 2026 too.
His supposed arrival as a ‘Designated Player’ would mean that Atlanta can sign him with higher wages outside of their salary cap.
This news came ten minutes before kick-off in Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash at home to Dundee United in which they won 2-0.
Kyogo was named on the bench for the match at Celtic Park and brought on as a substitute for Adam Idah in the 62nd minute.
The article has been deleted from the MLS website, although the URL still states that Atlanta have signed Kyogo.
Suspicions were further amplified when Atlanta shared a post to social media with the Japanese flag and an egg timer, reading ‘Vol. 1.’
The forward signed for Celtic in 2021 following previous stints at Japanese sides FC Gifu and Vissel Kobe.
He has scored 83 goals and 161 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops, as well as bagging 18 assists.
The forward has won the Scottish Premiership title in all three of his seasons at Celtic alongside two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups.
Celtic are on course for another league title win in 2025 as their win over Dundee United extended their lead at the top to 16 points over rivals Rangers.