Birmingham City are closing in on a sensational move for Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi, according to reports in Japan.
The Rennes striker is open to leaving Ligue 1 after a difficult spell in France, with a move to St Andrew’s now looking increasingly likely. Valued at £7.5m by transfer website Transfermarkt, he would represent a big purchase for the ambitious Blues.
Brief Spell in France
Furuhashi only joined Rennes from Celtic in January 2025, but a change in management and limited opportunities have seen him make just six appearances without finding the net. With next season leading into the 2026 World Cup, the former J.League star is believed to be seeking regular minutes to cement his place in the national team.
Despite interest from multiple European clubs, it is Birmingham who are pushing hardest to land the striker. The Championship side, managed by Chris Davies, are plotting a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011 and see Furuhashi as a potential game-changer.
The move would reunite Furuhashi with Tomoki Iwata, his former Celtic teammate, who played a key role in Birmingham’s immediate promotion back to the second tier last season. Iwata was named in the League One Team of the Season after an outstanding campaign in midfield.
Now, Blues are aiming to bolster their attacking options with a forward who dominated Scottish football before making the move to France. Furuhashi bagged over 50 goals in all competitions for Celtic, winning three league titles and earning acclaim as one of the best strikers in the SPFL.
From Gifu to Glasgow and Beyond
Kyogo Furuhashi began his career at FC Gifu after graduating from Chuo University, before a high-profile move to Vissel Kobe in 2018 coinciding with Andrés Iniesta’s arrival. He joined Celtic in 2021 and enjoyed immense success in Glasgow, becoming the league’s top scorer in the 2022/23 season.
His transfer to Rennes in early 2025 came with high expectations, but his lack of playing time has prompted a rethink. At 30, Furuhashi is now focused on finding a club that can offer regular starts and a prominent role in attack.
If the deal is completed, it would represent a major coup for Birmingham, who are signalling serious intent to challenge for promotion once again. It would also mark Furuhashi’s return to the British game, where he previously thrived.
Writer’s View
Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Birmingham City could be the spark both parties need. For the player, it offers a chance to relaunch his European career in a league where his pace, movement, and clinical finishing could flourish once again.
For Birmingham, it’s a bold signal of their ambition, adding proven international quality to a side already boosted by Iwata’s influence. With a strong Japanese core and a manager keen on attacking football, this could be a perfect fit. If Furuhashi settles quickly, he may well be the difference-maker in the Championship promotion race.
