Football stories are often narratives of rise, fall, and redemption. For Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi, the current chapter reads like a desperate plea for the latter. Just 12 months after a high-profile £10 million move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, and a subsequent switch to English Championship club Birmingham City, the 30-year-old forward appears poised for a sensational return to the club where he became a legend: Celtic.
Reports from SunSport and Daily Record indicate that Kyogo is on the cusp of rejoining the Hoops on loan, potentially in time for this weekend’s crucial league clash against Dundee United. This unexpected development comes as a significant boost for Celtic, whose new manager, Martin O’Neill, is reportedly ‘desperate’ to inject much-needed firepower into his squad following the departure of former manager Wilfried Nancy.
The Prodigal Son’s Rocky Road
Kyogo’s journey since leaving Parkhead in January 2025 has been fraught with challenges. His highly anticipated move to Rennes, intended to catapult him into one of Europe’s top five leagues, quickly soured. He managed only six appearances for the French outfit, failing to register a single goal. The prolific form that made him a fan favourite at Celtic seemed to evaporate under the bright lights of Ligue 1, leading to a swift departure.
By July 2025, Kyogo had signed a three-year contract with Birmingham City in the English Championship. Hopes were high that a move to a familiar footballing landscape, albeit a different division, would reignite his scoring touch. However, his struggles have persisted. In 23 league appearances this season, he has yet to find the back of the net, scoring just one goal across all competitions for the Blues. This alarming dip in form has not only impacted his club career but has also put his place in Japan’s national team, particularly for the upcoming World Cup squad, in serious jeopardy.
Birmingham boss Chris Davies openly acknowledged Kyogo’s frustration last month. He stated, ‘It has been a frustration for Kyogo, a frustration for himself more than anyone else, and I can see that in him. He really wanted to come here, play regularly, score goals and get back in that Japan squad after a difficult few months in France.’ Davies further highlighted the striker’s inability to convert chances, despite being in good positions: ‘He’s had quite a few of those and someone told me that in terms of big chances created in the league he is up there as well. And he hasn’t capitalized on those chances. He knows that, I’ve told him that he needs to take those chances and moments.’ The message was clear: Kyogo needed to make it happen himself.
Celtic’s Urgent Need for a Striker
On the other side of this potential deal is a Celtic side facing its own set of challenges. Martin O’Neill, who recently took the helm after Wilfried Nancy’s sacking, has made it abundantly clear that bolstering the team’s attack is his ‘No. 1 priority.’ The current squad finds itself dangerously thin on recognised, fit strikers. Inexperienced Johnny Kenny is reportedly the only healthy option, while Kelechi Iheanacho, brought in as a free agent, has been plagued by injury since the summer window closed.
This striking shortage has put immense pressure on Celtic’s board, who are already under scrutiny. O’Neill has reportedly ‘underlined the need for the move to be signed and sealed as quickly as possible,’ emphasizing the urgency before the transfer window slams shut. The club’s decision-makers have reportedly spent the last 24 hours ‘exploring a deal’ for the Japanese international, indicating a rapid acceleration of efforts to secure his return.
A Legacy Awaiting Revival
For Celtic supporters, the prospect of Kyogo’s return is nothing short of electrifying. His first stint at the club, under former manager Ange Postecoglou, saw him achieve iconic status. Joining in a £4.5 million deal from Vissel Kobe in July 2021, Kyogo quickly became a fan favourite, known for his relentless energy, clinical finishing, and infectious smile.
Over three and a half seasons, from July 2021 to January 2025, Kyogo etched his name into Celtic folklore, netting an impressive 85 goals in 165 appearances. These weren’t just any goals; many were crucial match-winners, including memorable strikes in Old Firm derbies against arch-rivals Rangers. His contributions were instrumental in a period of significant success for the Hoops, during which he won a remarkable nine trophies: four Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish League Cups, and two Scottish Cups.
The 2022-23 season stands out as his personal pinnacle in Scotland. He scored an astounding 34 goals across all competitions, a feat that propelled Celtic to a domestic treble. His individual brilliance was recognized with a clean sweep of major honours, including the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year, the SFWA Footballer of the Year, and the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot, with 27 league goals to his name. This was the Kyogo that supporters adored, a player who consistently delivered moments of magic and seemed to thrive under the pressure of Scottish football.
From Japan to Europe: A Career Overview
Kyogo’s professional journey began in Japan, where he initially played as a winger for FC Gifu in the J2 League (2017-2018). A pivotal tactical shift by coach Takeshi Oki moved him to a striker role, unlocking his immense goal-scoring potential and earning him a swift move to the top-flight J1 League.
His success continued at Vissel Kobe (2018-2021), where he blossomed into one of Japan’s most dangerous forwards, often linking up with legendary midfielder Andrés Iniesta. During this period, he lifted the Emperor’s Cup (2019) and the Japanese Super Cup (2020), eventually becoming the J-League’s top scorer before his move to Europe in 2021. It was this rich pedigree and proven ability that made him such a coveted signing for Celtic.
Now, as fate would have it, a player who once soared so high is looking to return to his former stomping ground to rediscover his form. The narrative of a beloved figure returning to a club that needs him, both seeking to reignite their respective fortunes, is compelling.
The potential return of Kyogo Furuhashi to Celtic isn’t merely another transfer; it represents a high-stakes gamble for both player and club. For Kyogo, it’s a desperate bid to reclaim the confidence and form that made him a household name, a chance to escape the ‘nightmare’ of his recent European ventures and secure his international future. For Celtic, it’s a strategic move born of urgent necessity, hoping that the emotional connection and familiar environment will unlock the prolific striker they so desperately need to salvage their season and appease a demanding fanbase. If successful, this reunion could prove to be one of the most impactful transfers of the window, a testament to the enduring power of homecoming in football.