Kyogo Furuhashi Faces Uncertainty at Birmingham City After Rennes Stint
Birmingham City striker Kyogo Furuhashi is reportedly struggling to find form in the 2025/26 season, raising questions about his future at the EFL Championship club. The Japanese international, who joined Birmingham before the start of the season, previously enjoyed success with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, but is currently out of favor with manager Chris Davies.
Disappointing Form and Potential Return to Celtic
UK media outlet Football League World has been critical of Furuhashi’s performance, stating that “few players in this season’s championship were as disappointing as Furuhashi.”
Celtic reportedly explored the possibility of re-signing Furuhashi on loan in January, but the move was deemed “unlikely” as Furuhashi was still attempting to prove himself at Birmingham, according to Celtic manager Martin O’Neill.
Brief Stint at Rennes and Struggles for Playing Time
Furuhashi joined Birmingham in the summer of 2025 as a key addition to the squad. Although he initially showed promise, a lack of decisiveness in front of goal led to a decline in his playing time. He has been occasionally left out of the matchday squad since the beginning of 2026.
The forward has scored only three goals in the 14 months since leaving Celtic. Prior to his move to Birmingham, Furuhashi had a short spell with Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes in January 2025, but struggled to secure regular playing opportunities.
Previous Success at Celtic and Vissel Kobe
Before joining Birmingham, Furuhashi was a prolific striker for Celtic, winning the Scottish Premiership top scorer title in the 2022/23 season. He scored 10 goals in 22 games in the first half of the 2024/25 season before his transfer to Rennes.
Furuhashi also enjoyed a successful period with Vissel Kobe in Japan, scoring 42 goals in 95 appearances between 2018 and 2021. He also helped Vissel Kobe win the 2019 Emperor’s Cup and the 2020 Japanese Super Cup.
Contract Situation and Future Prospects
With two years remaining on his contract with Birmingham City, the club may consider recouping the transfer fee paid for the player. A return to Celtic could be a viable option, given their financial capacity and Furuhashi’s previous success at the club. This would also allow Furuhashi to compete on the European stage once again.
Kyogo Furuhashi Career Stats (as of January 24, 2026):
- Gifu: 68 appearances, 17 goals
- Vissel Kobe: 95 appearances, 42 goals
- Celtic: 116 appearances, 63 goals
- Rennes: 6 appearances, 0 goals
- Birmingham City: 27 appearances, 1 goal
- Japan National Team: 23 appearances, 5 goals