Kyogo Furuhashi’s journey has taken another major turn this summer, and once again, Celtic connections are at the heart of the story. The Japanese striker, who lit up Celtic Park with 85 goals in 165 appearances, has now joined Birmingham City in a deal worth just over £10 million. Behind the scenes, Brendan Rodgers played a pivotal role in securing the deal.
Kyogo’s exit from Celtic came at a time when the Hoops were aiming to tighten their grip on domestic dominance. Since Kyogo left for Rennes, Celtic have won a domestic double. With Brendan Rodgers continuing to build on that success and the arrival of key new signings and potentially even more signings before the window closes, Celtic are early favourites to retain the Premiership crown.
Many of the best betting sites not on GamStop have priced Celtic with 4/11 odds to win the league title again, reflecting both the strength of the squad and the belief that Rodgers can deliver back-to-back league triumphs. These betting sites offer punters competitive football odds, fast payouts through flexible transaction methods, and exciting bonuses, including welcome rewards, odds boosts, and free bets. They are ideal platforms for Celtic fans to back the Hoops to dominate Scottish football once again in the 2025/2026 season.
That same influence Rodgers has shown in driving Celtic forward has also extended beyond Celtic Park, shaping the next steps in Kyogo’s career. Rodgers, who managed Kyogo during his time at Celtic and saw first-hand what the forward could deliver, reportedly recommended the player to Birmingham after a disappointing stint at Rennes. While Kyogo’s time in France didn’t unfold as hoped, his period in Glasgow remains the high point of his European career. Under Rodgers’ leadership, and later in partnership with Chris Davies, now Birmingham’s manager, Kyogo was a constant threat in front of goal, often popping up at just the right time.
That familiarity with Rodgers’ style and expectations shaped Kyogo’s approach to the game. The trust built between manager and player endured. When Birmingham needed a proven attacking option, Rodgers offered more than just a scouting opinion; he vouched for someone he knew intimately. Davies, who worked under Rodgers during Kyogo’s most prolific spell, clearly valued that insight. Their long-standing connection has now brought Kyogo to England’s second tier.
This transfer is another reminder of the calibre of talent that has passed through Celtic Park, and of Rodgers’ continued importance, not just in shaping Celtic’s success, but in influencing the next chapters of former players’ careers. Kyogo’s move didn’t come out of nowhere. Despite a difficult few months in France, Premier League clubs were still monitoring him. Birmingham, with Rodgers’ input and Davies’ trust, moved early and closed the deal.
The transfer also highlights the Celtic thread running through Birmingham’s plans. Tomoki Iwata, another former Hoops player who joined Birmingham in 2024, is believed to have spoken to Kyogo before the move was finalised. Birmingham isn’t just building a squad; they’re leaning on familiarity, chemistry, and a proven foundation. That could be important as they push for back-to-back promotions after a dominant League One campaign.
Kyogo’s time at Celtic may be over, but the club’s fingerprints are all over this latest move. His success in Scotland earned him a shot in Ligue 1, and even when Kyogo’s time at Rennes didn’t go to plan, it was his time in green and white that convinced a Championship side, led by familiar faces, to invest heavily. Rodgers’ recommendation, Davies’ belief, and Iwata’s support all stem from shared success at Parkhead.
As Kyogo steps into the next phase of his career, he does so with the backing of the same people who helped launch his rise. That connection might just help him rediscover the form that made him a hero in Glasgow, and remind everyone what he’s capable of when placed in the right system.
