Kyogo says he does not regret leaving Celtic in January, even though his six-month spell at Rennes turned out to be a disastrous one…
Former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi, personal message after joining Birmingham City from Rennes. Photo Birmingham City FC
The Japanese forward ended his highly successful three-and-a-half-year stint at Celtic Park to challenge himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues. However, his £10 million move to Ligue 1 turned sour, as he went goalless in six games and was eventually dropped from the squad entirely.
No longer in Rennes’ plans, Kyogo made a swift departure by signing with newly-promoted English Championship outfit Birmingham City, as we predicted on The Celtic Star a few weeks ago.
September 16th 2024: Tomoki Iwata 24 Birmingham City celebrates after scoring Birmingham s third goal during the Sky Bet League One football match between Birmingham City and Wrexham at St Andrews in Birmingham, England Natalie Mincher/SPP
The 30-year-old is set to reunite with former Celtic teammate and compatriot Tomoki Iwata at St Andrew’s as Chris Davies’ men chase for back-to-back promotions after a hugely successful first season, winning the League One title in a canter.
Kyogo says he will forever treasure his spell at the Hoops
As he embarks on his new journey in English football, Kyogo says he will forever treasure his spell at the Hoops, where he collected eight domestic honours and scored 85 goals in 165 matches.
Speaking to Birmingham City’s social channels, Kyogo said:
“I have good memories [from Celtic]with lots of titles, so it was a wonderful three and a half, four years. Lots of fans still say hello to me, so I felt I was really lucky. But this is a new place, and I’d like to do my best here. There might be more pressure, but we will enjoy playing together on the pitch and fighting. I’m happy to be able to play with Tomoki again, and he said the same too. So we’d like to aim to be in the Premier League together.”
When asked about his short time with Rennes, the ex-Celtic forward said: “It was a difficult time for me, but I don’t have any regrets going there. I’ve gained some experience, so I’d like to use that here.”
As he aims to get his career back on track, all the best to Kyogo in Birmingham. If he is used correctly under the guidance of Davies, he will certainly score plenty of goals in the Championship.
Kyogo acknowledges Celtic support in his latest social media post…
Former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi, personal message after joining Birmingham City from Rennes.
Undoubtedly Chris Davies would have consulted both Tomoki Iwata and also Brendan Rodgers for detailed insights into what the former Celtic talisman will bring to St Andrews. Plenty is the answer.
Best of luck to all the ex-Celts at Birmingham this season. What a story it will be if they can get up into the Premier League. Kyogo will certainly fancy a shot at that!
— Kyogo Furuhashi 古橋 亨梧 (@Kyogo_Furuhashi) July 8, 2025
Conor Spence
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