Kyogo is being linked with a move to Birmingham City, surprising many fans. The Japanese striker could join the newly promoted Championship side, where he would team up with former Celtic coach Chris Davies. Midfielder Tomoki Iwata, another ex-Hoops man, is also part of the squad at St Andrew’s.
Their aim seems to be more than just improving the team on the pitch. Birmingham appear to be looking at building stronger ties with fans in Asia too. Signing a big name like Kyogo would help that goal while boosting their squad.
This new approach follows the Celtic model in many ways. With Davies and Iwata already in place, adding Kyogo could be part of a bigger plan to bring in quality players from Asia and follow a proven path to success.
Speaking about the growing influence of Asian players in football, Birmingham’s head of recruitment Joe Carnall said: (Birmingham Live), “The impact that Paik (Seung-ho)
has had, and the Japanese players as well, that market is huge now.
“Celtic did it, mainly because of the way the points system worked in Scotland, they had more flexibility than we had here.”
Carnall, has made it clear that they believe the Asian market has real value. Signing players from Japan and South Korea could help both on the pitch and in growing the club’s brand.
Bringing in people with Celtic connections shows they want experience. Chris Davies worked at the Hoops, and Iwata knows what it’s like to play for a big club. They understand the level needed and the type of player who can deliver.
Kyogo’s success at Celtic and experience in France make him a brilliant option for the Championship. He’s a player who has proven he can score goals and handle pressure. Birmingham seem to think he can do the same.
This would be a bold move for a club just back in the second tier. But it also shows they’re thinking bigger. If they can get it right, Birmingham could become a club that others try to copy, just as they’ve clearly attempted to do with Celtic.
