Kyogo says a conversation with former Celtic teammate Tomoki Iwata was the deciding factor behind his move to Birmingham City.
After fielding multiple offers, Kyogo chose to link up with Iwata once again, a year after the midfielder made his own departure from Celtic Park to join the Blues. The two are now reunited at St Andrews as the club rebuilds.
The 30-year-old returns to the UK after a difficult spell in France, where he failed to hold down a regular place in the Rennes side. His time in Ligue 1 proved short-lived, and he now sees Birmingham as an opportunity to kickstart his career in England.
Kyogo spoke to Japanese TV about his next steps, revealing that Iwata’s input gave him confidence in Birmingham’s direction and plans for the future.
He said: “I was happy because I received many good offers, but I decided Birmingham City’s was the best for me.
“Tomoki Iwata contacted me and told me he’d be really happy if I joined him at Birmingham. I listened to what he had to say about the club and I got really excited about hearing about their ambitions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Iwata again and I hope I can help the team achieve their goals this season.
“It’s true that I had a difficult period at Rennes, but I don’t regret going there and I think I grew in some ways, so I believe I can make use of that experience in Birmingham and I hope to make the most of it.
“My aim is to get back playing regularly – that’s my biggest hope.
“I also want to enjoy football again, score as many goals as possible and become a player who can impress many people and bring smiles to their faces.
“I want to be a leader on the playing side as well.”
Kyogo was a key player for Celtic under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers, scoring 85 goals in 165 games and winning nine trophies. His quick movement, sharp finishing, and strong link with the support made him one of the top performers during a winning spell in Glasgow.
His switch to Rennes was meant to move his career forward, but the French side wasn’t the right fit. Now back in a setting he knows well and with Iwata at his side, Kyogo hopes to find the form that made him such a threat in Scottish football.
Birmingham will need that quality as they try to recover from their drop to League One and make a real go at back-to-back promotions in the Championship next season. The two Japanese players could play a big part as the club looks to build a side ready to push for promotion.
For those at Celtic Park, seeing Kyogo and Iwata play together again in England will bring back memories, though many will still be left asking why Kyogo’s time in Glasgow ended so quickly.
