Celtic’s Summer Dilemma: Should Kyogo Return to Parkhead?
As Celtic prepare for another crucial summer transfer window, one of the biggest talking points emerging is the need for attacking reinforcements. Despite Daizen Maeda’s impressive 30-goal haul this season—while playing across multiple roles including as a wide forward and a central striker—there’s a growing sense that Brendan Rodgers will need more firepower up top if the Hoops are to remain dominant domestically and compete meaningfully in Europe.
Maeda has won admiration for his relentless energy, intelligent pressing, and lethal bursts in front of goal. Rodgers himself has hinted that the Japanese international could become the “main man” through the middle going forward. However, relying on Maeda alone seems a risky strategy, especially considering the physical demands of his style and the sheer number of fixtures Celtic will face across all competitions. A supporting striker—or even a primary one to lead the line and give Maeda freedom to roam from the left—would provide depth, rotation, and tactical variety.
Enter Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kyogo’s name has suddenly resurfaced on the Celtic radar, and for good reason. His spell at Stade Rennais appears to be unraveling, with reports suggesting he has been told to “pack his bags” after falling out of favour with the Ligue 1 side. The move to France, which was supposed to elevate his career, has instead become a cautionary tale. His game time has been limited, his impact minimal, and his stock has dipped sharply.
And yet, despite his current struggles, Kyogo remains one of the most prolific and beloved Celtic forwards in recent memory. Before departing for Rennes, he notched 85 goals and 19 assists in 165 appearances. He was central to Celtic’s attacking identity under Ange Postecoglou, terrorizing defences with sharp movement, clinical finishing, and a flair for scoring in high-pressure situations. His goals helped deliver silverware and thrilling European nights. There’s no denying that Kyogo was the heartbeat of the team during his time at Parkhead.
But should he come back? That’s where opinions start to divide.
Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton voiced strong opposition to the idea of a reunion, pointing out that Kyogo had it all at Celtic—Champions League football, trophies, personal accolades—yet still chose to walk away. “Why didn’t you just stay there in the first place?” Hutton asked bluntly. “He’s went there and is hardly playing now, not kicking a ball… If it was Juventus or someone massive, fair enough, but come on.” Hutton’s take reflects a sense of betrayal that some fans may share. Kyogo left while at the top, and some believe that walking away should come with consequences—especially when the grass clearly wasn’t greener.
On the other hand, Premier Sports presenter Darrell Currie offers a more forgiving view. He believes Celtic should welcome Kyogo back with open arms—if the player shows humility. “If Kyogo wanted to come back and he’s got the desire to come back and wants to hold his hands up and say he’s made an error in judgment… surely you take him back?” Currie makes a compelling point: if the 30-year-old is hungry to make amends and ready to give his all for the club again, why wouldn’t Celtic capitalise on a proven goalscorer who already knows the system, the league, and the expectations?
From a purely footballing perspective, the move makes sense. Kyogo would offer competition for Maeda, allow Rodgers to rotate or play both in tandem, and provide instant chemistry in the final third. He knows the club, has already thrived in Glasgow’s goldfish bowl environment, and is likely to come at a reduced price due to his situation in France.
Yet the emotional side of the game matters too, especially at Celtic. The supporters will need to feel that Kyogo’s return is genuine—not just a fallback because things didn’t work out elsewhere. If he does come back, he’ll need to win trust again—not with words, but with performances, commitment, and a clear desire to be part of Celtic’s future rather than merely reliving his past.
So what should Celtic do?
Ultimately, it comes down to three key factors:
- Cost and Value: If Rennes are willing to sell at a significant discount, it becomes a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
- Kyogo’s Mentality: Does he truly want to return to Celtic for the right reasons? Is he still the same driven, dynamic forward who lit up the Scottish Premiership?
- Squad Building: Would Rodgers see Kyogo as a starter, a rotation piece, or part of a dual-striker system? And would his return hinder the development or acquisition of a younger, long-term option?
If Celtic can get clear answers to those questions, a sensational return could be on the cards. Until then, the debate will rage on among pundits, fans, and those inside Celtic Park.
Would you personally welcome Kyogo back with open arms? Or do you think the club should focus on building for the future and look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements?