If a recent report from SunSport is believed to be true, Celtic are closing in on an incredible reunion with Kyogo Furuhashi, within a year of his high-profile move to Rennes. The Hoops hero, struggling in the English Championship, could ply his trade north of the border on loan from Birmingham City.
The 30-year-old Japanese international spent his youth years with Sakuragaoka FC, Athpegas Ikoma FC and Kokoku High School. He represented Chuo University during his college career and was eventually roped in by FC Gifu in the J2 League. His sharpness up top earned him a top-tier move when Vissel Kobe secured his services in 2018, and an impressive scoring stint over the next three years led to a €5.40m transfer to Celtic under Ange Postecoglou.
The Struggle Abroad
Furuhashi proved to be a revelation high up the pitch, having scored 85 goals in 165 appearances. He was instrumental to Celtic’s four successive Premiership silverware, along with three League Cup and two Scottish Cup crowns, before completing a staggering €12m move to Rennes in January 2025.
However, it turned out to be a catastrophe as he looked out of his depth in French football. The ‘number 9’, who once earned a nickname ‘Kyogoal’ at Celtic Park, joined Birmingham City in the summer, having failed to score a single goal in six appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.
Meanwhile, it has been worse in England as he could not hit the target in 23 Championship appearances. His only goal for the Blues was in a League Cup outing against Sheffield United, and with the World Cup knocking on the door, the Samurai Blue ace is leaning towards a return to Parkhead.
Why Celtic Should Bring Him In As A Short-term Fix
Celtic messed it up completely as they let Furuhashi and Adam Idah leave in back-to-back windows. They brought in Kelechi Iheanacho on a Bosman in September, but it has been a stop-start campaign for the Nigerian due to persistent injury problems. Callum Osmand showed sparks under Martin O’Neill, but the youngster is sidelined for months after a hamstring strain. Shin Yamada, another summer recruit, seems surplus to requirements, thus leaving the Bhoys with Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny as the only outright centre-forwards.
Meada, nevertheless, is best suited as a wide attacker for his work ethic and intelligence. Playing him from the middle limits his game, and the arrival of Furuhashi could resolve the crisis. Given their understanding, trust, and synergy; making them function as a cohesive unit beyond individual talent could be the way to win titles for Celtic.
