Kyogo Furuhashi Celtic Return Claim Made

Kyogo Furuhashi’s difficult spell at Birmingham City has opened the door to more talk over what could come next for the former Celtic striker.

The Japanese forward was linked with a possible return to Celtic earlier this year, and while nothing came of it at the time, his situation in England remains one to watch as the window moves on.

Kevin Phillips has now suggested Birmingham may have a decision to make if Kyogo does not start the season well.

Speaking to Record Sport via BestBettingSites.co.uk, Phillips said: “I’ve always liked Kyogo, there’s something there, but we just haven’t really seen it on a regular basis.

“There’s no good saying we keep waiting and waiting; he needs to perform. So if he stays, he needs to hit the ground running.

“If he doesn’t, I don’t think there’ll be too many Blues fans kicking the door down to say stay if Birmingham were to cash in, whether he went back to Celtic or went somewhere else.

“So I would give him the benefit of the doubt and let him start the season.

“If it doesn’t quite work out, then maybe look to potentially get him out on loan or move him on before the window shuts.”

That line about Celtic will naturally catch attention.

Kyogo remains a popular figure in Glasgow after his first spell at the club, where his movement, sharp finishing and big-game goals made him a key player under Ange Postecoglou. His exit was not one supporters wanted to see at the time, and any hint of a return will always bring interest.

The question is whether he would fit what Martin O’Neill wants from a striker.

O’Neill has already spoken about Camilo Durán’s hold-up play and physical strength, which gives an idea of what Celtic have been looking to add at the top end of the pitch. Kyogo is a very different type of forward. His game is based on movement, timing and sharpness in the box rather than playing with his back to goal.

That does not rule out a return. Celtic were reportedly interested earlier in 2026, and if Birmingham decide to move him on later in the window, the situation could become interesting again.

But there would be a bigger debate around the logic of another short-term fix.

Celtic have gone back to former players often in recent years, and while some returns have worked better than others, it is not always a sign of a club looking forward. Kyogo would bring experience, familiarity and a clear understanding of the club, but he would also be another signing from the past rather than a long-term answer.

For now, Phillips believes Birmingham should give him the start of the season to prove himself.

If that does not happen, and if Celtic are still looking for another forward option later in the window, this may not be one to completely rule out just yet.