Kyogo Furuhashi, the Japanese striker who once shone brightly for Celtic, now finds himself in a challenging predicament following his transfer to Stade Rennes. The move, which occurred in January 2025 and was reported to be worth £10 million, marked an ambitious step into Ligue 1 but has so far been riddled with difficulties. Furuhashi’s recent performances have raised eyebrows and led to increasing speculation about his future.
After a prolific stint at Celtic, where he netted an impressive 85 goals in just over three seasons, Furuhashi's adaptation to the French league has been far from smooth. Since joining Rennes, he has only played 93 minutes in total across four appearances, failing to register a single goal or assist. This stark contrast to his years at Celtic is prompting questions about whether the transition was, in fact, the right decision.
Kyogo's situation has become even more complex with his omission from the matchday squad during Japan’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain on March 20, 2025. Despite Japan winning 2-0 and securing their place in the 2026 World Cup, Furuhashi was left off the bench, further highlighting his struggles to find form. His absence on the international stage raises concerns about how he will regain his footing both for club and country.
Speaking about his situation, Kyogo has expressed both determination and frustration. “I’m running, hoping that one pass out of ten will be enough,” he told Nikkan Sports, reflecting on the difficulties he’s facing with his current team. His enthusiasm for getting involved—running and communicating—stands out even in tough moments. “Even in difficult times, I believe I can make a splash somewhere,” Kyogo added, emphasizing his hope to eventually shine again on the field.
The 30-year-old has admitted that his experience in France has been challenging, particularly under the management of Habib Beye. Reports suggest that Beye has brought in new strategies that may not align well with Furuhashi’s playing style. As a result, there have been whispers about Rennes looking to offload the player during the upcoming summer transfer window, with speculation indicating that he could be available for as little as £3.5 million—a significant drop from the fee Rennes paid to Celtic.
Rumors surrounding his future have been fueled by the arrival of Udinese striker Florian Thauvin, who has reportedly attracted Rennes’ interest and could be seen as a potential replacement for Kyogo. This situation adds pressure on the former Celtic fan favorite as he seeks to establish himself in his new role and regain his place on the pitch.
Amid all these developments, Furuhashi remains part of Japan’s national team setup, earning a call-up for upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia on March 25, 2025. Despite his completed absence from the last match, Kyogo is hopeful about getting a chance to demonstrate his abilities, stating, “I hope to be able to show my strengths.” His aim is to contribute to the national team, especially since Japan’s current squad has been scoring freely.
Kyogo’s resilience and determination are evident as he contemplates his next steps. Being left out of the international fixtures was a tough pill to swallow, especially considering his journey from being a scoring machine at Celtic to struggling for game time at Rennes. As he attempts to adapt to the new league and style of play, he understands the need to remain positive and focused in preparation for any opportunity that arises.
The future remains uncertain for Kyogo Furuhashi; however, his mindset reflects a readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. “To that end, I want to prepare well and polish the areas I can on the pitch,” he emphasized, expressing his commitment to personal improvement and performance. As the transfer window looms, it remains to be seen whether he can turn his fortunes around in the coming months, either at Rennes or perhaps with a new club.
For now, Kyogo is navigating the complexities of football life away from the comforts of Celtic Park, where he enjoyed immense success and adoration. Whether he can replicate that form as he looks to prove himself in Ligue 1 and for the Samurai Blue is a question that will be answered in due course, as the story of Kyogo Furuhashi continues to unfold.
