Celtic fast-track Kyogo Furuhashi return as former fan favourite offered Birmingham City exit

Celtic are reportedly moving quickly to engineer a surprise return for Kyogo Furuhashi, with the club eager to reinforce their attacking options ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership clash against Dundee United.

With Martin O’Neill back in the dugout on an interim basis following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy, strengthening the forward line has become an immediate priority. Celtic’s lack of depth up front has been exposed in recent weeks, prompting senior figures at the club to explore short-term solutions that could deliver an instant impact. One such solution appears to be the familiar figure of Kyogo, who is now being strongly linked with a loan move back to Parkhead from Championship side Birmingham City.

The Japanese striker remains one of the most popular players to have worn the Celtic shirt in recent years. Signed by Ange Postecoglou from Vissel Kobe in 2021, Kyogo quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his movement, work rate and eye for goal. Over the course of four seasons in Glasgow, he scored 85 goals in 165 appearances and played a key role in Celtic’s domestic dominance, collecting nine major trophies along the way.

His most prolific campaign came during the 2022/23 season, when he scored 34 goals and helped Celtic secure a domestic treble. That outstanding year also saw him sweep the individual honours, winning PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year, SWFA Footballer of the Year and the Premiership Golden Boot. For many supporters, Kyogo embodied the high-energy, front-foot style that defined Postecoglou’s Celtic side.

However, his decision to leave midway through the 2023/24 season caused mixed emotions among the fanbase. Kyogo departed Celtic in January to join Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennes, a move that came at a difficult time for the club and left some supporters feeling disappointed by the timing. Unfortunately for the striker, his move to France failed to deliver the fresh start he had hoped for, with limited opportunities and form issues quickly souring the experience.

After just a few months in Ligue 1, Kyogo returned to the UK in the summer, completing a £10 million transfer to Birmingham City. The move was seen as a statement of intent from the Blues, who hoped his experience and pedigree would drive them forward in the Championship. Yet once again, things have not gone according to plan for the 30-year-old.

Despite featuring regularly for Chris Davies’ side, Kyogo has struggled to find the net, failing to score in 23 league appearances. His lack of goals has become an increasing source of frustration, both for the player and the club, and has placed his future in doubt just months after his arrival. With Japan’s World Cup squad for next summer looming, Kyogo is acutely aware that his current situation could jeopardise his international ambitions.

According to reports, Celtic have been monitoring his situation closely and have accelerated plans to bring him back to Glasgow on a temporary basis. It is claimed that discussions have intensified over the past 24 hours, with the club keen to finalise a deal before the weekend. The idea is understood to be a short-term loan, allowing Celtic to address their immediate striker shortage while continuing to pursue longer-term targets.

Celtic’s need for reinforcements has been heightened by injuries and a lack of reliable options in attack. Johnny Kenny, still relatively inexperienced at senior level, has been the only fully fit recognised striker available in recent matches. Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined the club as a free agent after the summer transfer window closed, has struggled with fitness issues and has been unable to provide consistent cover.

In that context, the prospect of Kyogo returning, even temporarily, is seen as an attractive solution. O’Neill is believed to be pushing for attacking additions as soon as possible, with the upcoming fixture against Dundee United adding urgency to the situation. Club officials, under increasing pressure from supporters, are said to be working on multiple fronts to strengthen the squad during the January window.

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies has previously spoken candidly about Kyogo’s struggles since arriving in the Midlands. Speaking last month, Davies acknowledged the player’s frustration and admitted that things had not unfolded as either party had hoped.

Davies explained that Kyogo had arrived at the club desperate to play regularly, score goals and force his way back into the Japan setup after a difficult spell in France. While the striker has been getting into promising positions and receiving chances, he has been unable to convert them into goals. Davies stressed that Kyogo is well aware of the situation and understands that he must take responsibility for turning things around.

The Birmingham manager also pointed out that the team has created a healthy number of opportunities, with Kyogo featuring prominently in the statistics for chances received. Despite that, his finishing has let him down, something Davies believes is more a matter of confidence than ability. Nonetheless, with results at stake, patience is wearing thin.

From a Celtic perspective, a loan deal would carry relatively low risk. Kyogo’s familiarity with the club, the league and the expectations at Parkhead means he would require minimal time to settle. Many supporters believe that a return to a familiar environment could help him rediscover his sharpness and confidence quickly.

The majority of the Celtic fanbase is expected to welcome him back with open arms. Memories of his goals, work ethic and infectious enthusiasm remain fresh, and many feel his story at the club was left unfinished. A successful return could benefit all parties, giving Celtic a proven goalscorer, Kyogo a platform to revive his career, and Birmingham a chance to reassess their attacking options.

As things stand, Celtic appear determined to move swiftly. Whether the deal can be completed in time for the Dundee United clash remains to be seen, but the intent is clear. With O’Neill seeking immediate impact and supporters eager for a familiar hero to return, Kyogo’s potential homecoming has quickly become one of the most talked-about transfer stories of the window.