Celtic are reportedly considering a sensational move to bring Kyogo back to Glasgow, just six months after his high-profile £10 million switch to Stade Rennes.
The Japanese striker’s time in France has been underwhelming to say the least. Foot7 report that Kyogo is set to be excluded from Rennes’ pre-season squad by incoming boss Habib Beye.
Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Celtic have reportedly made an initial enquiry about the possibility of a return, with a formal bid reportedly expected to follow. Interestingly, the fee required would be lower than what Rennes paid in January.
Kyogo’s original move to Rennes was engineered by then-manager Jorge Sampaoli and sporting director Frederic Massara. With both men no longer at the club, the 30-year-old’s future has been thrown into uncertainty. Without his backers, he’s found himself surplus to requirements in a rapidly changing setup.
Celtic have yet to sign a replacement for Kyogo, and who better to fill that void than the man himself, returning with a point to prove. With the Japanese forward’s absence felt in the second half of the season, his return would be a major boost ahead of the new campaign.
During his previous stint in Glasgow, Kyogo netted 85 goals in 165 appearances, establishing himself as a key player with his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to deliver in big games. He helped the club to domestic silverware and featured prominently in European fixtures.
With Champions League qualifiers looming in August and another title defence on the horizon, Celtic will be aiming to go one step further and reclaim the treble.
Bringing back a player of Kyogo’s calibre could provide both the familiarity and proven goals needed to hit the ground running. If the deal materialises, it would mark a dramatic turnaround and a second chapter for one of Celtic’s finest strikers of the past two decades.
