Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has publicly addressed and dismissed speculation linking the club with a sensational return for former fan favourite Kyogo Furuhashi. The Japanese striker is currently enduring a difficult spell at Birmingham City in the Championship.
Manager's Verdict Ends Return Rumours
In a clear statement to the media, O'Neill poured cold water on the growing rumours of a potential loan move for the 30-year-old forward. "I would have said that would be unlikely. Everything is premature," the Celtic boss stated. He further suggested that the player's own focus remains on proving his worth at his current club, adding, "There's a viewpoint that he wants to really prove himself at Birmingham, which is no surprise."
O'Neill, who returned to the Celtic Park dugout this season following the sacking of Wilfried Nancy, indicated that bolstering his attacking line with Kyogo is not part of his immediate winter plans. This firm stance from the manager appears to have closed the door, at least for now, on a romantic reunion with a player who became a legend during his first stint in Glasgow.
Kyogo's Birmingham Nightmare Continues
The transfer links emerged against the backdrop of a desperately challenging period for Furuhashi in England. Since his high-profile move from Celtic to Rennes in January 2025, and subsequently to Birmingham City, his goalscoring touch has deserted him.
The stark statistics tell the story of his struggle:
- Failed to score in his first 23 Championship appearances for Birmingham.
- Only seven of those 23 outings have been starts.
- He did not register a single league goal throughout the entire calendar year of 2025.
This barren run is in stark contrast to his phenomenal record at Celtic, where he netted 85 goals in 165 games, cementing his status as a prolific and beloved figure. His move to St Andrew's was partly motivated by a desire to force his way into the Japan squad for the upcoming World Cup, but those hopes are now described as "hanging by a thread" due to his lack of form and minutes.
Fight for a Starting Spot at St Andrew's
The situation at Birmingham presents a further hurdle for Kyogo. Reports indicate that manager Chris Davies is still looking to strengthen his attacking options during the January transfer window. This means the Japanese international faces a fierce battle simply to reclaim a regular starting position, let alone end his goal drought.
For Birmingham City supporters and Celtic fans watching on, the future of Kyogo Furuhashi remains a compelling subplot to the January window. While the door to a Celtic return seems firmly shut, his immediate challenge is to rediscover his confidence and scoring boots in the blue of Birmingham.
