Kyogo Furuhashi’s transfer from Celtic to Rennes in January 2024 appeared to be a promising new chapter in his career, one that could elevate his standing on the European stage. After three stellar years at Celtic, where he had become one of the most prolific and beloved players in recent history, the move to Ligue 1 seemed like a natural progression for the Japanese striker. Rennes, a club with strong ambitions in French football, offered a step up in terms of competition, and Kyogo, who had become a key figure at Celtic, seemed poised to shine in a new environment.

There was also the added incentive of national team prospects. The 2026 World Cup was looming, and with Kyogo approaching the latter stages of his career at 30, securing a regular starting spot in one of Europe’s top leagues would surely increase his chances of making Japan’s squad for the global tournament. The decision to leave Celtic wasn’t made lightly, but the allure of playing in a top-five European league, coupled with the opportunity to push for international recognition, made it an attractive move for Kyogo.

However, things have not gone according to plan for the Japanese forward at Rennes, and his experience there has been anything but smooth. Kyogo’s time at the Ligue 1 club has been marred by instability, both on and off the field. His transfer to Rennes occurred just days before the shock exit of head coach Jorge Sampaoli, which has undoubtedly added to the chaos surrounding Kyogo’s time in France. Sampaoli’s departure, which came soon after the striker’s arrival, seems to have contributed to the unrest at Rennes, creating an environment of uncertainty that has been far from ideal for the Japanese forward.

Sampaoli, who was expected to be a driving force behind the club’s success, left Rennes in rather abrupt fashion, leaving many questions unanswered about his reasons for departing. In a candid interview, Sampaoli admitted that he was never consulted on the signings made by the club, including Kyogo. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the transfer strategy, stating that the players brought in during the winter transfer window were not aligned with the team’s needs. Sampaoli’s disillusionment with the club’s management ultimately led to his decision to cut ties with Rennes, further complicating Kyogo’s situation.

Sampaoli’s departure, combined with the club’s lack of cohesion and the sudden shift in coaching philosophies, left Kyogo in a difficult position. The striker, who had hoped to build on his success at Celtic, found himself struggling to adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Rennes was not the seamless transition Kyogo had hoped for, and the absence of a stable managerial presence made it even harder for him to settle in. Despite his obvious talents, Kyogo found himself on the fringes of the squad under Sampaoli’s replacement, struggling to secure a spot in the matchday squad.

The situation has been a rude awakening for Kyogo, who had thrived in Celtic’s high-pressing, attacking system. At Rennes, however, the tactical setup has been less accommodating, and the lack of regular playing time has impacted his form. It’s hard to see how a player of Kyogo’s caliber, who was once a crucial figure in Celtic’s success, has fallen out of favor so quickly. With the World Cup in 2026 being the last real chance for him to compete on the biggest stage, the pressure to succeed is mounting. The road to international glory now seems more uncertain, and his decision to leave Celtic, once seen as a logical step, has turned into a career misstep.

Kyogo’s struggles at Rennes also come at a time when other players who made similar moves have found success. Jota, who made the reverse transfer from Celtic to Portugal in January, has been thriving back at Paradise under Brendan Rodgers. Jota’s return has been marked by a smooth reintegration into Celtic’s system, where he has already become a key player in the team’s attacking unit. His positive start to life back in Scotland contrasts sharply with Kyogo’s frustrations in France, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football transfers.

For Jota, returning to Celtic has provided a sense of familiarity and stability, and the Portuguese winger seems to have regained the confidence that had previously made him a fan favorite. Jota’s performances have added further evidence that sometimes, staying put or returning to a familiar environment can be the best choice for a player. In contrast, Kyogo’s move to Rennes, filled with expectations and aspirations, has not worked out as planned, with his future at the club now hanging in the balance.

The situation for Kyogo is now at a crossroads. With Rennes likely to need to accept a much lower fee than the £10 million they originally paid Celtic, it seems that a summer move might be the best solution for all parties. A return to Celtic would certainly be a possibility, but it is more likely that Kyogo will need to explore other options in order to revive his career. Another move to a club that can offer him more playing time and a system that suits his style of play could reignite his form and help him rediscover the level that made him a star in Scotland.

Kyogo’s age, at 30, means he doesn’t have much time to waste if he wants to secure a spot in Japan’s World Cup squad for 2026. His current trajectory at Rennes is not likely to get him there, so a change in environment may be the key to getting his career back on track. Whether it’s moving to another league or returning to Celtic, Kyogo needs to make a decision that will allow him to get back to the heights he once reached. The longer he stays in a situation where he is not playing regularly, the harder it will be for him to regain the confidence and sharpness required to compete at the highest level.

The next few months will be crucial for Kyogo as he looks to find a solution to his career dilemma. It’s clear that his time at Rennes has not gone as expected, and the possibility of a fresh start in the summer seems increasingly likely. Whether that means moving to a new club, returning to Celtic, or seeking opportunities elsewhere, Kyogo must act swiftly if he hopes to achieve his ultimate goal of representing Japan in the 2026 World Cup. It’s a race against time for the striker, and the pressure is on for him to find a solution that will allow him to get back to his best and secure his place on the international stage once more.

The story of Kyogo Furuhashi at Rennes serves as a cautionary tale for players who take risks in search of greener pastures, only to find themselves in situations that don’t live up to expectations. It underscores how important it is for players to make informed decisions about their future and to be in environments where they can thrive. While Jota’s return to Celtic has been a story of success, Kyogo’s struggles in France show that not all moves turn out the way players hope. Hopefully, Kyogo can find the right path forward and restore his career to the heights he once achieved in Scotland.