Celtic's star striker Kyogo Furuhashi has embarked on a new chapter of his career, transferring to French side Rennes for £10 million during the January transfer window. The 30-year-old Japanese international had become synonymous with success at Celtic, where he netted 85 goals and contributed to eight trophies over three-and-a-half seasons. His departure, announced on January 23, 2025, has understandably raised eyebrows and disappointment among fans and club officials alike.
At Parkhead, Furuhashi flourished, playing pivotal roles as the Hoops reached the Champions League knockout stage. Yet, his move to Rennes was driven by aspirations to feature more prominently on the international stage. "I think if I can prove my strength here in France by playing every week I will be called up by the national team again and I will be able to show a different side of myself," he shared shortly after the transfer, according to the Daily Record.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who has led the team to significant victories and is preparing for the club's push for additional trophies this season, expressed regret about losing such a key player without securing a direct replacement before the transfer window closed. "Some people will say it was a mistake to allow Kyogo to go without having his placement nailed down and planned," Rodgers acknowledged. Despite his frustrations, he emphasized the importance of having players who remain committed to the team's vision, indicating Furuhashi's desire to leave had been evident for some time.
Nevertheless, the timing of Furuhashi's exit—just as Celtic edged past to the Champions League knockout rounds—felt particularly disheartening, especially as he was not able to participate. Some Celtic analysts suggest this transition period could hint at broader issues at the club, including management’s ability to navigate the transfer market effectively and meet the demands of rising expectations.
Furuhashi's absence leaves Celtic currently reliant on Adam Idah as their main forward. Idah, who has had his challenges, now finds himself thrust firmly as the first-choice striker, flanked by alternatives like young talent Johnny Kenny. Observers note the pressure on Celtic's recruitment team to find adequate solutions to fill the attacking void left by the departure of such a prolific scorer.
The spotlight now shifts to potential replacements for Kyogo, particularly the rumored interest by Celtic to acquire Mathias Kvistgaarden from Brøndby IF. The 22-year-old forward has made headlines with his 14 goals already this season and has garnered attention not only from Celtic but also from other clubs, such as Eintracht Frankfurt. It's not just about bringing someone new; they also need someone who can gel quickly with the team and hit the ground running.
While Brendan Rodgers' tactics have been met with mixed reviews concerning player performance and recruitment strategy, all eyes will be on how the team copes moving forward without their Japanese superstar. "We all know we were losing a top-class striker and we wanted to bring another one," Rodgers stated, reflecting concerns shared by many fans. Sessions of speculation surround the way forward for the squad heading toward the end of the season, where stepping up performance will be of utmost importance.
Furuhashi himself has already made his mark at Rennes, starting his debut match and helping them secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Strasbourg, though his performance was deemed lacking with just seven touches of the ball before being substituted. "I just want to make an impact here and create chances for my teammates. I'm very pleased we won in my opening game," he remarked, affirming his commitment to establishing himself with his new club.
The excitement and challenges of playing at the Ligue 1 level provide Kyogo with the stage he desires to amplify his skills against higher-caliber competition, thereby maximizing his chances for future national team selection. With aspirations of representing Japan at the World Cup, he acknowledges the stakes involved: "I cannot claim to be called up with certainty, but if I can demonstrate my ability at Rennes, it definitely adds to my chances."
Overall, the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi marks not only the end of one prolific chapter for Celtic but also the beginning of another promising yet challenging phase for both the player and his former club. While Celtic navigates the challenging waters of loss and opportunity, Kyogo embraces this new adventure, hoping to shine brightly on the French stage and thereby usher himself back onto the radar of national selectors.