In a significant move for Birmingham City, the club has secured the signing of Japanese international striker Kyogo Furuhashi from Ligue 1 side Rennes on a three-year contract. The 30-year-old forward returns to the United Kingdom just six months after his £10 million transfer to France, aiming to revive his career and bolster Birmingham’s attacking options ahead of the new Championship season.
Kyogo’s journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster. After a prolific spell at Celtic, where he scored an impressive 85 goals in 165 appearances across three and a half years, the striker sought a new challenge in January 2025. His move to Rennes was driven by ambitions to enhance his prospects with the Japanese national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Despite the promising transfer, Kyogo struggled to find consistent playing time in France, spending much of his stint on the bench under manager Habib Beye, even after the sacking of Jorge Sampaoli shortly after Kyogo’s arrival.
During his time at Celtic, Kyogo was a standout performer, leading the Scottish Premiership in scoring during the 2022-23 season with 27 league goals and 34 in all competitions. His contributions helped the Hoops secure four Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups, and three Scottish League Cups between 2021 and 2025. Additionally, Kyogo’s Champions League exploits, including goals against Atletico Madrid and Lazio, have underscored his quality on the European stage.
Birmingham City, under the management of Chris Davies, have been active in the transfer market this summer, aiming to strengthen their squad following a record-breaking League One title-winning campaign that earned them promotion back to the Championship. Kyogo is the club’s fifth signing of the week and sixth overall, joining a growing list of new recruits including Phil Neumann, James Beadle, Tommy Doyle, Demarai Gray, and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The Blues’ ambition is clear, with NFL legend Tom Brady among the club’s supporters, signaling a high-profile backing as Birmingham aims for a push towards the Premier League. Chris Davies, who guided the club to the League One crown, will be hoping that Kyogo’s proven goal-scoring pedigree can translate into Championship success.
One of the exciting aspects of Kyogo’s arrival is the reunion with compatriot Tomoki Iwata, a former Celtic teammate who joined Birmingham City in the summer of 2024. Iwata has already made a strong impression with the Blues, contributing several stunning goals from midfield. This reunion could prove vital in helping Kyogo settle quickly and hit the ground running in English football once again.
Birmingham’s squad also features a number of players with Scottish Premiership experience, particularly from Rangers. Ben Davies, who spent last season on loan at St Andrew’s, is expected to make a permanent switch, while Kieran Dowell and Scott Wright are other notable former Rangers players strengthening the squad. Scotland international Lyndon Dykes and former Hearts defender Alex Ciochrane add further quality and experience to the Blues’ lineup.
Despite the official transfer fee remaining undisclosed, reports suggest that Rennes have taken a financial hit on Kyogo’s transfer, having paid £10 million to Celtic just six months earlier. The French club’s willingness to move on reflects Kyogo’s limited impact during his brief tenure at Roazhon Park.
Kyogo’s return to British football is anticipated to inject fresh energy into Birmingham City’s attacking options. Alongside established forwards like record signing Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, and Lyndon Dykes, Kyogo’s arrival adds depth and a proven goal threat as the Blues prepare to challenge in the Championship.
Beyond Kyogo and Iwata, Birmingham City has also been active in the transfer market by signing Nigeria full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and Jamaica winger Demarai Gray. Additionally, the club has secured Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle and Euro Under-21 winning goalkeeper James Beadle on loan, highlighting a comprehensive strategy to build a competitive squad.
Kyogo’s international career also adds an intriguing dimension to his signing. Capped 23 times by Japan and having scored five goals, the forward’s move back to the UK is seen as a strategic step to regain form and visibility ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His previous exclusion from the Samurai Blue squad under coach Hajime Moriyasu, who preferred players competing in Europe’s top five leagues, was a motivating factor behind his initial move to Rennes. Now, with a fresh start at Birmingham, Kyogo will be eager to reignite his international ambitions.
The excitement surrounding Kyogo’s signing is palpable among Birmingham City supporters. His proven track record in Scotland and experience on the European stage make him a marquee addition to a club eager to make its mark in the Championship. The blend of international talent, domestic experience, and strategic recruitment suggests that Birmingham City is positioning itself for a competitive campaign.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Kyogo to see if he can replicate the goal-scoring prowess that made him a Celtic fan favorite. His reunion with former teammates and integration into a squad brimming with ambition could be the catalyst Birmingham City needs to push for promotion and establish themselves firmly in England’s second tier.
With a strong squad, high-profile backing, and a clear vision for the future, Birmingham City’s summer of recruitment, highlighted by Kyogo Furuhashi’s arrival, signals a club ready to rise. The striker’s journey from Japan to Scotland, a brief stint in France, and now back to England encapsulates a narrative of resilience and ambition that could inspire Blues fans throughout the upcoming campaign.