Kyogo Furuhashi’s £10 million move from Rennes to Birmingham City has raised eyebrows in the Championship, marking a return to British football for the former Celtic star. The 30-year-old Japanese international struggled during a brief six-month stint in Ligue 1, failing to score in six appearances.
Reflecting on this challenging period, Kyogo remained optimistic, stating, “It was a difficult time for me, but I don’t have any regrets going there. I’ve gained some experience, so I’d like to use that here [at Birmingham].” His resilience and determination to rediscover his form underscore his readiness to make an impact at St Andrew’s.
Choosing Birmingham Over Other Offers
Despite receiving “many good offers” from other clubs, Kyogo opted for Birmingham City, a decision driven by the club’s ambition and a personal connection. “I was happy because I received many good offers, but I decided Birmingham City’s was the best for me,” he explained. The opportunity to join a team pushing for back-to-back promotions and a return to the Premier League resonated with the striker, who sees Birmingham as the ideal place to reignite his career.
The Iwata Connection
A key factor in Kyogo’s decision was his former Celtic teammate Tomoki Iwata, who joined Birmingham a year earlier and played a pivotal role in their League One title triumph. Iwata’s influence proved decisive, as Kyogo revealed, “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.” This familiar bond provided Kyogo with confidence in Birmingham’s project, making the move feel like a natural fit.
Aligning with Birmingham’s Ambition
Birmingham City’s bold vision to climb the English football pyramid was a major draw for Kyogo. The club’s recent signings, including high-profile names like Tommy Doyle, Demarai Gray, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, signal their intent to dominate the Championship. Kyogo expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m looking forward to working with Iwata again, and I hope I can help the team achieve their goals this season.” His belief in the club’s potential aligns with his own ambition to contribute to a successful campaign.
Reuniting with a Familiar System
Kyogo’s move reunites him with manager Chris Davies, who previously worked with him at Celtic as an assistant to Brendan Rodgers. Davies’ familiarity with Kyogo’s playing style, combined with his track record of developing talent, offers the striker a platform to thrive. Early reports from Birmingham’s pre-season camp in Portugal highlight Kyogo’s sharpness in training, showcasing his trademark poise and precision in front of goal. “My aim is to get back playing regularly – that’s my biggest hope,” Kyogo said, emphasizing his desire to reclaim his scoring touch.
A Proven Goal-Scorer Ready to Shine
Kyogo’s prolific record at Celtic, where he scored 85 goals in 165 appearances and won eight domestic titles, including a standout 27-goal season in 2022/23, makes him a coup for Birmingham. His experience in high-stakes environments, including the Champions League, equips him to handle the pressures of a promotion-chasing campaign. “I believe I can make use of that experience in Birmingham, and I hope to make the most of it,” he stated, signaling his intent to be a central figure in the club’s push for Premier League football.
A New Chapter in the Midlands
Kyogo Furuhashi’s decision to join Birmingham City reflects a blend of personal conviction and alignment with the club’s ambitious goals. Influenced by Iwata’s endorsement and drawn by the opportunity to play a key role in a rising team, Kyogo is poised to rediscover his “mojo” in the Championship. For Birmingham fans, his arrival heralds an exciting era, with the Japanese striker ready to bring his goal-scoring flair to St Andrew’s. As Kyogo embarks on this new chapter, his journey from Glasgow to Rennes and now to the Midlands is a testament to his resilience and hunger for success.