As the January transfer window heats up, all eyes are on Celtic and Birmingham City as they navigate a period of uncertainty and opportunity, with one name dominating the headlines: Kyogo Furuhashi. Just one year after leaving Celtic Park, the Japanese striker could be on the verge of a sensational return to Glasgow, reigniting hopes for both club and player amid a flurry of transfer activity.
Kyogo’s journey since departing Celtic has been anything but smooth. After a prolific spell in Scotland—where he netted an impressive 85 goals in 165 appearances—Furuhashi made a high-profile switch to Stade Rennes in January 2025, only to find himself on the move again to Birmingham City. The hope was clear: regular minutes in the English Championship would bolster his case for a spot in Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad. But football, as ever, had other plans.
Struggling to adapt to life in Birmingham, Kyogo has managed just a solitary goal in 25 outings. The numbers speak volumes, and with Birmingham City’s promotion hopes hanging by a thread, the pressure has mounted for both the player and his club. According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic have spent the last 24 hours working feverishly to finalize a loan deal that would see Furuhashi return to Parkhead until the end of the 2025-2026 season. The move could materialize in time for Celtic’s upcoming clash against Dundee United on January 10, 2026.
For Celtic, the timing couldn’t be more critical. The club’s attacking options have been stretched thin, and the return of a proven goal-scorer like Kyogo could provide the spark needed to steady the ship. Martin O’Neill, who has also recently returned to take the managerial reins, has been vocal about the need for reinforcements. "We need signings this window, especially in attack," O’Neill emphasized, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Kyogo’s popularity among the Celtic faithful is well-documented. His tireless work rate, clinical finishing, and infectious enthusiasm made him a fan favorite during his previous tenure at the club. The prospect of his return has sent ripples of excitement through the supporter base, with many hopeful that he can recapture the form that made him one of the most feared strikers in Scotland. However, there’s no denying that his recent goal drought is a concern. As one pundit noted, "Though his goal drought since his departure is something to note, Celtic are in desperate need of firepower and he would undoubtedly enjoy a warm reception should he return."
Meanwhile, the situation at Birmingham City is equally fluid. The club has already seen significant movement in the transfer market, with left-back Kai Wagner arriving to bolster the defense and three players—Dion Sanderson, Emil Hansson, and Eiran Cashin—departing. Manager Chris Davies faces the daunting task of rebuilding a squad that has endured nine defeats in 13 away matches, a record that has exposed the need for greater physicality and depth across the pitch.
"There is still plenty of work to do," reads a recent assessment of Birmingham’s transfer window. The club is targeting reinforcements in five key positions: center-back, midfielder, striker, winger, and the all-important number 10 role. Ben Davies has been touted as a potential defensive addition, while the midfield cries out for more muscle to avoid being out-fought on the road. The attack, too, is under the microscope, with Marvin Ducksch currently edging Kyogo in the goal-scoring charts but neither player truly setting the Championship alight.
The departure of Lyndon Dykes has opened up a striker spot, and speculation is rife about a possible return for Che Adams. The 29-year-old, now at Torino, has expressed his affection for the club, telling supporters, "Hopefully see you soon, Keep Right On." However, prying Adams away from the Italian side, where he has reestablished himself as a starter, could prove tricky. Demarai Gray’s return last summer has been hailed as a success, and the club is now on the hunt for a younger winger to provide cover for Gray and Patrick Roberts.
As for the creative engine, the number 10 position remains a priority. Kieran Dowell’s name has surfaced, but a move is contingent on Hull City’s ability to offload players. The need for an "oven-ready" playmaker is clear, with Chris Davies making no secret of his desire to strengthen in that area.
All these comings and goings have direct implications for Kyogo. His lack of goals has seen him slip down the pecking order, and with Birmingham City actively seeking another striker, his future at St. Andrew’s looks increasingly uncertain. "Kyogo joined Blues with the goal of making Japan’s World Cup squad but his lack of goals has seen him drop down the pecking order and that is just a pipe dream at this stage," reports one insider. The possibility of a return to Celtic isn’t just a rumor; it’s a lifeline for a player desperate to rediscover his scoring touch and reignite his international ambitions.
Financial and strategic considerations remain, of course. Celtic must present a package that makes sense for Birmingham City, who are keen to avoid an "enormous loss" on their investment. But the deal could suit all parties: Celtic get a proven scorer, Birmingham free up space and wages for new arrivals, and Kyogo gets the chance to play regular football in familiar surroundings.
Yet, there’s an air of caution. Some critics have labeled the potential move as uninspired, suggesting that Celtic’s reliance on a familiar face reflects a lack of imagination in their recruitment strategy. "While this would be an uninspired move in terms of imagination and scouting, Celtic need to stabilize and perhaps having someone who can come in and hit the ground running is exactly what Celtic need," reads a recent commentary. The stakes are high, but so is the potential reward.
For Kyogo, the path back to Celtic Park is about more than nostalgia. It’s about reigniting a career that has stalled and seizing one last shot at World Cup glory. For Celtic, it’s about plugging gaps in a squad that has lost its cutting edge. And for Birmingham City, it’s an opportunity to reshape the squad ahead of a crucial run-in.
With the transfer window wide open and negotiations ongoing, the next few days promise to be decisive. Will Kyogo Furuhashi don the green and white hoops once again and write a new chapter in his storied career? The football world waits with bated breath as the saga unfolds, knowing that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that come full circle.
