Kyogo Furuhashi’s name is ringing out once again in the east end of Glasgow, and for Celtic fans, it’s a story that feels both familiar and full of promise. Just one year after his high-profile departure, the Japanese striker is on the verge of a dramatic return to Celtic Park. With the January 2026 transfer window in full swing, sources across Scotland confirm that the club is working tirelessly to finalize a loan deal for Kyogo, hoping to inject much-needed firepower into a side desperate to reignite their title ambitions.
Martin O’Neill, recently reinstalled as interim manager, has made no secret of his desire for attacking reinforcements. The club’s form has wobbled after a turbulent managerial spell under Wilfried Nancy and a string of uninspired transfer windows, leaving Celtic trailing in the Scottish Premiership title race. O’Neill’s mandate is clear: steady the ship and close the gap on rivals. And what better way than to bring back a player who once set Celtic Park alight?
Kyogo’s journey since leaving Glasgow has been a challenging one. After scoring an impressive 85 goals in 165 appearances for Celtic between July 2021 and January 2025, he chased his World Cup dream by moving to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for a reported £10 million. The move was supposed to be the springboard to greater things, especially after Kyogo asked then-manager Brendan Rodgers for a transfer in the summer of 2024 to boost his chances of making the Japan squad for the 2026 World Cup. But football, as ever, had other plans.
His stint in France was nothing short of a nightmare. Kyogo failed to score a single goal for Rennes in the second half of the 2024-2025 season, and his confidence appeared to wane. The following summer, he joined Birmingham City, newly promoted to the English Championship and managed by Chris Davies, who once served as Rodgers’ assistant at Celtic. But the change of scenery did little to revive his fortunes. Used mostly as a substitute, Kyogo managed just one goal in 25 appearances for Birmingham—a statistic that speaks volumes for a player who once terrorized Scottish defenses on a weekly basis.
“He’s not receiving the service,” one report noted, highlighting the difference between Birmingham’s midfield and the attacking style Kyogo enjoyed at Celtic. Birmingham currently sit 14th in the Championship, safe from relegation but a world away from the high-stakes drama of a title race. For Kyogo, the lack of game time and goals has been a major concern, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
That’s where Celtic comes back into the picture. According to the Scottish Sun and multiple other outlets, the Hoops have spent the last 24 hours locked in negotiations, pushing to secure Kyogo’s return on a short-term loan. The urgency is palpable. “Celtic cannot afford to wait – with returning boss Martin O’Neill desperate to add firepower immediately,” reported the Daily Record. The club has reportedly given Kyogo an ultimatum to make up his mind, as O’Neill is prepared to turn to other targets if the deal stalls.
This isn’t just a sentimental move. Celtic’s attack has sputtered since Kyogo’s departure, and the board’s failure to source a proper replacement has left supporters frustrated. Bringing back a player who knows the club, the city, and the expectations could be the quick fix needed to stabilize the squad. Some pundits have joked that the club is “going full circle replacing Kyogo with Kyogo,” but there’s a sense that this reunion could be the perfect solution for both parties.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Celtic are set to face Dundee United at Celtic Park this Saturday, January 10, and there’s real hope that Kyogo could be registered in time to feature in the matchday squad. The match is seen as a must-win, with the title race heating up and rivals Rangers preparing to splash out £7.5 million on a pair of new signings. Across the city, Hearts are also flexing their muscles at the top of the table, and Aberdeen is searching for a new manager after sacking Jimmy Thelin. It’s a January window full of intrigue, but all eyes are on Parkhead and the potential homecoming of a cult hero.
There’s no shortage of support for the move. Celtic legend Chris Sutton told Record Sport, “I’d take Kyogo back in a heartbeat.” The striker’s proven track record in the Scottish Premiership makes him a low-risk, high-reward option, especially for a team desperate for goals. “Martin O’Neill knows exactly what Kyogo can do and will be confident that he can get him back to his best very quickly,” one report emphasized. O’Neill’s man-management skills are well known, and if anyone can help Kyogo rediscover his scoring touch, it’s the veteran Irishman.
Kyogo himself is reportedly warming to the idea of a return, despite initial hesitation about a short-term escape from Birmingham. The chance to play regular first-team football in an attacking side—and in front of adoring fans who still sing his name—might be just what he needs to reignite his World Cup ambitions. With Japan’s national team selectors watching closely, a strong finish to the season at Celtic could put him back in the frame for a spot on the plane to North America.
But as with all transfer sagas, nothing is certain until the paperwork is signed. Birmingham City, for their part, appear willing to let Kyogo leave, recognizing that the move could benefit all parties. The striker is under contract with the Midlands club until 2028, but his lack of impact and desire for a fresh start make a loan move logical. Celtic, meanwhile, see this as a “quick-fire, low risk move,” especially as the window ticks down and alternatives are considered.
Still, there’s a touch of drama. Reports suggest that if Kyogo dithers for too long, Celtic could shift their focus elsewhere, with other strikers also on the radar. But for now, the momentum is behind a return that would be greeted with open arms by the Parkhead faithful. After a year of wandering, could Kyogo find his way home and help Celtic reclaim their place at the top?
The next 48 hours will be crucial. If the deal goes through, Kyogo could be pulling on the famous green and white once again, ready to lead the line in another title chase. Stranger things have happened in football, but for Celtic supporters, the prospect of Kyogo’s return is a reminder that sometimes, the best stories really do come full circle.
As the January window drama unfolds, Celtic’s focus is clear: bring back a proven star, reignite the attack, and keep the title dream alive. All eyes now turn to Parkhead, where the stage is set for a possible reunion that could define the rest of the season.
