Chris Sutton has backed the idea of Kyogo Furuhashi making a sensational return to the Hoops, insisting the club should have no hesitation in pursuing a deal whilst noting that the former Celtic talisman has had a stinker since leaving the club last January…
The Japan international was a prolific figure during his first spell in Glasgow between 2021 and 2025 before securing a switch to Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.
However, his time in France failed to spark, leading to a move to newly-promoted English Championship side Birmingham City, where goals have again been hard to come by. Despite managing just one goal since arriving in England under Chris Davies, Celtic have been credited with an interest in bringing back their former star striker.
Sutton believes a reunion would represent a positive outcome for both the player and the club. Speaking via Daily Record, the Sky Sports pundit said: “It’s a no-brainer. I know he’s not had the best of times at Birmingham, and it was a poor spell for him at Rennes as well.”
“But he’s a proven goal scorer for Celtic, and that is exactly what they need right now. They desperately need a striker and can’t afford to hang about. The only question you need to ask is, is he better than what they have got right now? The answer is pretty straightforward – of course, he is. It could be a chance to get his career back on track.”
Sutton added this via X yesterday: “I’d take Kyogo back but this can’t rumble on much longer. Either he wants to comeback or not. I loved him at Celtic but he’s had a stinker since he left. He owes it to the club to make a quick decision. If he needs convincing as being reported then the club should look elsewhere.”
Furuhashi arrived at Celtic from Vissel Kobe under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou and quickly established himself as one of Celtic’s modern day heroes.
The 30 year-old became a popular figure among supporters, amassing 85 goals and 19 assists across 165 appearances in all competitions. His impact also helped open the door for a wave of Japanese recruits, including Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, reinforcing Celtic’s growing recruitment links with Asia.
Kyogo has also been reunited with former Celtic midfielder Tomoki Iwata at Birmingham City, where the pair are currently plying their trade in the Championship.
I’d take Kyogo back but this can’t rumble on much longer. Either he wants to comeback or not. I loved him at Celtic but he’s had a stinker since he left. He owes it to the club to make a quick decision. If he needs convincing as being reported then the club should look elsewhere.
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) January 8, 2026
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