Stephen McGowan urges caution over Celtic striker links

Stephen McGowan has played down growing speculation that Kyogo Furuhashi is on the brink of a sensational return to Celtic, urging supporters to temper expectations amid renewed transfer chatter.

For several weeks, Celtic fans have been watching from a distance as the Japanese forward has struggled to rediscover his spark at Birmingham City. Kyogo, once a talismanic figure at Parkhead, has found life difficult since leaving Glasgow, and with Celtic currently misfiring in front of goal, many supporters have begun to connect the dots and dream of a reunion with a player who delivered so many memorable moments in green and white.

Those hopes appeared to gain traction as the January transfer window opened. January 1 passed without any concrete developments, but just before midday on January 8, journalist Robert Grieve reported that discussions were taking place, fuelling belief that a move could be imminent. However, anyone familiar with Celtic’s transfer business knows that deals are rarely straightforward or swift. Even when urgency is clear, negotiations often drag on, and this situation appears no different.

Despite the obvious need to strengthen in attack, it seems unlikely that any new signings will be present at training as Martin O’Neill continues his efforts to impose authority and structure on a squad struggling for consistency and cutting edge. While supporters grow restless, those close to the club are urging patience.

McGowan, who has built a reputation over nearly two decades as one of the most reliable voices on Celtic transfer matters, has cast doubt on the feasibility of a Kyogo comeback. Writing with the authority gained from years at The Herald and now The Celtic Way, he cautioned that persuading the striker to return to Glasgow, even on a temporary basis, would be far from simple.

According to McGowan, Celtic face a significant challenge in convincing Kyogo to leave Birmingham and rejoin the Scottish champions. Although the club is actively searching for attacking reinforcements during the winter window, and interim boss Martin O’Neill would welcome the chance to work again with the Japanese international, there are several obstacles to overcome.

Kyogo was sold to Rennes for £10 million just 12 months ago, a move that failed to reignite his career. The 30-year-old endured a difficult spell in France, failing to find the net during his time there. A subsequent switch to Birmingham City in the English Championship was meant to offer a fresh start, but his impact has been limited. His only goal for the club came in a League Cup victory over Sheffield United back in August, leaving questions over both confidence and form.

Financial considerations also complicate matters. Kyogo is reportedly earning around £40,000 per week in England, and agreeing how much of that wage Celtic would need to cover is only one piece of a larger puzzle. McGowan suggests that the player himself is not eager to abandon his current situation, despite the lack of goals. Kyogo is said to be determined to prove himself at Birmingham and may require significant persuasion to consider a return to Scottish football.

This reluctance is notable given Kyogo’s remarkable record at Celtic. During his previous spell at Parkhead, he scored 85 goals in 165 appearances, becoming a fan favourite and playing a key role in securing eight major trophies. On paper, bringing him back would appear to be one of the simplest and most logical transfers Celtic could make.

The familiarity is undeniable. Kyogo knows the club inside out, understands the expectations, and is well accustomed to the demands of Scottish football. Upcoming fixtures against Dundee United, Falkirk, and Auchinleck Talbot could, in theory, provide the ideal platform for him to regain rhythm and rediscover his scoring touch. Yet, football transfers are rarely dictated by logic alone.

Complicating matters further is Celtic’s European schedule. Any new signings brought in during this window would be unavailable for the trip to Bologna on January 22, although they would be eligible for the crucial league match away to Hearts three days later. That looming fixture adds pressure on the club to act decisively, but not recklessly.

Martin O’Neill is due to face the media later today, with journalists expected to focus heavily on transfer activity. There will also be access to the morning training session, where close attention will be paid to which players are involved and whether any new faces appear. Fitness updates are also on the agenda, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Sarrachi having recently missed time through hamstring and muscle issues, though neither is believed to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

As ever, transfer speculation is set to dominate the conversation. Supporters are desperate for clarity and reinforcements, particularly in attack, but McGowan’s intervention serves as a reminder that not every rumour gathers momentum for good reason. While the idea of Kyogo returning to Celtic is emotionally appealing and superficially straightforward, the reality is far more complex.

For now, the prospect of a reunion remains uncertain. Celtic may continue to explore options, but persuading Kyogo to leave Birmingham, navigating financial hurdles, and completing a deal in time for key domestic fixtures will not be easy. Until then, fans may have to brace themselves for more speculation than substance as the January window unfolds.