Kyogo Furuhashi’s Struggles at Birmingham Spark Celtic Transfer Rumors

Kyogo Furuhashi’s Birmingham City Chapter: High Hopes, Low Returns

When Kyogo Furuhashi arrived at Birmingham City in the summer of 2025, fans hoped the Japanese forward’s electric pace and goal-scoring instinct would ignite a new era for the Blues. Signed for £10 million after a brief, underwhelming stint at Rennes, Kyogo’s arrival was the kind of statement move Knighthead Capital Management wanted as they rebuilt the club. Yet, six months into his Championship journey, the story has taken an unexpected turn: Kyogo remains without a single league goal, his confidence waning, and his place in Chris Davies’ plans uncertain. (Football League World, Givemesport)

It’s a stark contrast to the heights Kyogo reached at Celtic, where he scored 85 goals in 165 games and became a fan favorite for his relentless energy and infectious enthusiasm. His departure from Parkhead was supposed to fuel his dream of World Cup glory, but the English second tier has proven a tougher battleground than anticipated.

Celtic’s Eyes on a Familiar Face: January Reunion on the Cards?

With Wilfried Nancy under pressure after a string of defeats and a historic low at Celtic, the Scottish giants are looking for a spark to reignite their season. Reports from Glasgow suggest Celtic have ‘registered their interest’ in re-signing Kyogo, aiming to bring back a striker whose finishing touch once made the difference in crucial matches. The club’s attacking options have faltered, and fans wonder: Could Kyogo be the answer to their woes? (GlasgowWorld, The Celtic Star)

The potential move is more than nostalgia. Nancy’s tenure is already shaky after four consecutive losses, including a cup final defeat and a disappointing run in Europe. A familiar face with proven scoring pedigree could steady the ship, especially as Celtic’s January transfer plans take shape with a focus on bolstering their front line.

Swap Deals and Market Moves: Birmingham’s Transfer Dilemma

Birmingham City’s January strategy isn’t just about Kyogo. The club is targeting reinforcements at left-back, midfield, and attack, with pundits and fans alike calling for a “powerhouse” presence—someone who can thrive in the physical Championship environment. Jason Moore, a Blues fan pundit, was candid: “A big striker up top would be wonderful, and maybe get rid of Kyogo.” With Kyogo’s lack of goals and Birmingham’s need for a more robust forward, a swap deal involving Celtic’s Hyun-jun Yang has surfaced. The South Korean winger nearly joined Birmingham for £3 million in September, and renewed interest from both sides could set the stage for a January shake-up. (Football League World, The Celtic Star)

The identity of Birmingham’s transfer targets remains closely guarded, but there’s a sense that this winter window could define the club’s ambitions for the rest of the season. If Kyogo departs, it will mark a rapid fall from grace for a player once heralded as the club’s marquee signing.

Kyogo’s Journey: From Celtic Hero to Championship Struggles

Kyogo’s career arc reads like a footballing rollercoaster. After joining Celtic for £4.5 million in 2021, he became the club’s talisman, winning trophies and lighting up the Scottish Premiership. His move to Rennes, however, was short-lived—just 120 minutes of Ligue 1 action before a summer sale to Birmingham. The dream of regular international football and World Cup glory now seems distant, as his form and minutes dwindle.

Supporters who watched Kyogo score hat-tricks at Parkhead now see a player searching for rhythm, adjusting to the demands of English football and competing for a place in a side desperate for results. The contrast couldn’t be sharper: from “exceptional” in Glasgow to an unsettled, goalless spell in Birmingham. (Givemesport, The Celtic Star)

What’s Next? A Defining Window for Both Clubs

With the January transfer window approaching, the futures of Kyogo, Birmingham City, and Celtic hang in the balance. The Blues, just outside the play-off places, need decisive moves to keep their promotion hopes alive. Celtic, meanwhile, are seeking a turnaround after a historic slump, and the return of a Parkhead favorite could offer the emotional lift and technical quality required.

For Kyogo himself, the next few weeks could be pivotal. Will he rediscover his scoring touch, or will a return to Scotland reignite his career? The answer will shape not only his legacy but also the fortunes of two clubs with ambitions that far exceed their current realities.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s story is a reminder that football careers are rarely linear. The same player who once thrilled crowds in Scotland now faces hard questions in England, and the upcoming transfer window could be his last chance to reclaim the narrative. Both Birmingham and Celtic must weigh sentiment against strategy—because in football, yesterday’s hero can become tomorrow’s gamble.