Why Kyogo Furuhashi’s return could be a game-changer for Celtic

Kyogo Furuhashi is on the brink of a dramatic return to Celtic, a move that could reshape the club’s season and reignite a fanbase craving stability, goals, and identity. With Martin O’Neill back at the helm following Wilfried Nancy’s dismissal, the Hoops are wasting no time addressing their most glaring weakness, a lack of reliable firepower.

Reports suggest Celtic are working to secure Kyogo on loan from Birmingham City, potentially in time for this weekend’s crucial Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee United. For supporters, the prospect of Kyogo pulling on the green and white once more represents nostalgia, hope, and urgency rolled into one.

Why Celtic Are Moving Fast for Kyogo

Martin O’Neill’s priority since returning to Parkhead has been clear: goals win titles. With only Johnny Kenny available as a recognised striker, Celtic’s attacking options have been stretched thin at a critical point in the season.

Kyogo’s potential return offers:

• Immediate familiarity with Celtic’s system
• Proven Scottish Premiership pedigree
• A forward capable of delivering in big moments

Club sources indicate Celtic’s board has spent the last 24 hours intensifying talks, underlining how vital this deal is to O’Neill’s short-term plans.

A Hero’s First Celtic Spell: Why Fans Still Believe

Kyogo is not just another former player, he is one of the defining Celtic forwards of the modern era.

During his first spell between 2021 and 2025, Kyogo:

• Scored 85 goals in 165 appearances
• Won nine major trophies
• Delivered iconic Old Firm goals
• Claimed the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot
• Swept individual awards in the 2022–23 season

Under Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo became the face of Celtic’s aggressive, high-tempo football, peaking with 34 goals in a domestic treble-winning campaign.

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What Went Wrong After Leaving Parkhead

Kyogo’s career since leaving Celtic has been turbulent.

After a £10 million move to Rennes:

• He failed to score in six Ligue 1 appearances
• Struggled for rhythm and consistency

A subsequent move to Birmingham City offered a reset, but the problems persisted:

• No league goals in 23 Championship matches
• Confidence visibly eroded
• Reduced influence in the final third

Despite this, insiders believe the striker’s struggles are environmental, not terminal, and that Celtic’s system suits him better than any other club.

What Kyogo’s Return Means for Celtic

Kyogo’s comeback would have immediate and long-term implications:

1. Instant Tactical Upgrade

Kyogo’s movement, pressing, and spatial awareness remain elite. Even without scoring, he improves the entire attacking structure.

2. Dressing Room Lift

A fan favourite returning can galvanise a fractured squad and restore belief during a turbulent managerial transition.

3. Title Race Momentum

In tight title races, familiarity often trumps experimentation. Kyogo knows how to deliver when margins are thin.

4. World Cup Motivation

Kyogo is pushing for a place in Japan’s World Cup squad. A return to Celtic offers him visibility, confidence, and form, powerful personal incentives.

Is This a Risk or a Necessary Gamble?

There are legitimate concerns:

• Prolonged goal drought
• Confidence issues
• Physical sharpness

However, Celtic are not seeking a long-term rebuild in January, they need stability and results now. Kyogo represents a calculated risk with a historically high reward ceiling.

As one club source put it, “This isn’t about imagination, it’s about survival and momentum.”

What Happens Next

If finalised, Kyogo could arrive at Celtic Park within days, marking not only his return but Martin O’Neill’s symbolic reset of the club. For a fanbase desperate for reassurance, few names carry more emotional weight.

Whether this move becomes a fairytale revival or a final roll of the dice will be decided on the pitch, but one thing is certain: Parkhead will be ready.

FAQ

Is Kyogo Furuhashi returning to Celtic?

Yes. Celtic are actively working on a loan deal to bring Kyogo back from Birmingham City, potentially before the weekend.

Why does Martin O’Neill want Kyogo back?

O’Neill needs proven goal scorers immediately. Kyogo’s familiarity with Celtic’s system makes him a low-risk, high-impact option.

What went wrong for Kyogo at Birmingham City?

Kyogo struggled with confidence, service, and tactical fit, failing to score in 23 league appearances.

How successful was Kyogo during his first Celtic spell?

Extremely. He scored 85 goals, won nine trophies, and was instrumental in multiple title-winning campaigns.

Will Kyogo start immediately if he returns?

While match fitness will be assessed, Celtic’s lack of striking options suggests he could feature quickly.

Does this move affect Kyogo’s World Cup chances?

Yes. Regular football and form at Celtic would significantly boost his chances of making Japan’s World Cup squad.

Is this a permanent transfer?

Current reports suggest a loan deal until the end of the season, with future decisions dependent on performance.