Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has publicly advocated for a sensational return of Kyogo Furuhashi to Parkhead, as the Japanese forward endures a torrid spell with Birmingham City in the Championship.
A Striker's Stark Decline Since Celtic Exit
The 2025 calendar year has been nothing short of a disaster for Kyogo Furuhashi. After leaving Celtic as a prolific hero, his career has stalled dramatically. He has failed to score in 20 league appearances for Birmingham and has not started a Championship match since September, often finding himself as the fourth-choice forward off the bench under manager Chris Davies.
This dismal form follows a difficult end to his time in France with Rennes, marking a stark contrast to his lethal reputation in Scotland. During a successful four-year stint with Celtic, Kyogo was a fan favourite, netting 85 goals in 165 games and cementing his status as a big-game player.
Sutton's Verdict: "I'd Take Him Back in a Heartbeat"
Weighing in on the speculation of a potential January transfer, Sutton, who spoke to the Daily Record on December 27, 2025, was unequivocal in his support for a reunion. He acknowledged the striker's severe loss of confidence and difficult spell in the Midlands but believes his quality remains.
"This squad needs a lot of work in most areas but the lack of a reliable goal scorer is a huge problem," Sutton stated, pinpointing Celtic's current crisis. "Kyogo proved he’s a big game player at the club. He thrived in this environment and produced the goods when his team needed it most."
Despite his endorsement, Sutton expressed significant doubts about the deal's feasibility. He questioned whether the player would want to return and suggested it would be an admission of failure in Celtic's recruitment, having not adequately replaced him in the twelve months since his departure.
A Transfer Clouded in Doubt
While Sutton's personal desire is clear, the practicalities of a move seem complicated. The prospect hinges on multiple factors:
- Kyogo's willingness to return to Scottish football.
- Birmingham City's stance on a player they signed just months ago.
- Celtic's readiness to rectify what Sutton implies was a recruitment error.
For now, Kyogo remains a Birmingham City player, desperately seeking to rediscover the form that once made him one of the most feared forwards in Scottish football. Whether a return to his old hunting ground is the solution remains one of the most intriguing questions of the January transfer window.
