Kyogo Furuhashi’s French Struggles and the Unlikely Path Back to Celtic Park
When Kyogo Furuhashi signed for Celtic from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, he wasn’t just another signing — he was a symbol of a new era under Ange Postecoglou. Quick, humble, deadly in front of goal, and beloved by fans and teammates alike, he quickly became a cornerstone of Celtic’s post-pandemic resurgence. Over three-and-a-half seasons in Glasgow, he won league titles, domestic cups, and the hearts of supporters with his infectious smile and remarkable goal tally: 85 goals and 19 assists in 165 appearances.
Whether it was his brace in the 2021 League Cup Final, his vital strikes in Old Firm clashes, or his consistency during title races, Kyogo played a defining role in restoring Celtic’s domestic dominance. He scored all types of goals: poacher’s finishes, curling efforts from the edge of the box, headers despite his diminutive frame — you name it. In many ways, he epitomised the modern Celtic striker: technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and relentlessly committed.
But even during this success, Kyogo had long harboured a desire to test himself on another stage. As Brendan Rodgers revealed earlier this year, Kyogo had made it known to the coaching staff that he was considering his future well before the January transfer window. While nothing materialised in the summer of 2024, the striker’s appetite for a fresh challenge remained, and it became stronger with time.
By the time Rennes submitted their offer — a £10 million bid to bring Kyogo to Ligue 1 — the decision had already been made in his mind. The French club, ambitious yet underachieving in recent seasons, saw Kyogo as a proven finisher who could add spark to their faltering attack. For Celtic, the money made sense, especially as they were already working behind the scenes to bring Jota back from Rennes in a separate deal. With mutual respect and an understanding that Kyogo had given everything to the club, the transfer went ahead.
From the outside looking in, the move felt bittersweet. Kyogo left with no animosity, only admiration and gratitude. But within months, it’s become clear that the transition has not gone to plan.
A Harsh Reality at Rennes
Since his move to France, Kyogo’s career has stalled. In the months following his transfer, he’s managed just six appearances for Rennes. Only one of those was a start. He’s yet to register a goal or assist in a league known for its physicality, defensive discipline, and tactical rigor — a stark contrast to the wide-open spaces of the Scottish Premiership.
His omission from Rennes’ matchday squad for their recent derby clash against Nantes has further compounded concerns. Notably, it wasn’t an injury-related absence. Local outlet Ouest France confirmed that only two players were out injured — Kyogo wasn’t one of them. Manager Habib Beye instead opted to leave him out for tactical reasons, a clear sign that the Japanese forward isn’t in his current plans.
It’s the first time Kyogo has been “frozen out” at club level in Europe. The fact that he hasn’t even been used as an impact sub in key matches suggests something deeper than just a slow adaptation period. Despite Beye’s public words of support, his actions — particularly during a crucial part of the season where Rennes are trying to finish in the top half — indicate otherwise.
A Costly Gamble for Rennes
The £10 million Rennes paid to Celtic for Kyogo now looks increasingly like a gamble gone wrong. That kind of fee represents a significant investment for most Ligue 1 clubs outside of the traditional top four. Rennes hoped they were signing a striker ready to replicate his Celtic Park form immediately. Instead, they’ve got a player still searching for rhythm, confidence, and a place in the squad.
Interestingly, Rennes have partially offset the financial hit. The sale of Jota back to Celtic — a transfer reportedly worth £8 million — has essentially helped them recover most of their outlay. Combined with other high-profile exits last summer, like Désiré Doué and Enzo Le Fée, the club remains in the green from a business perspective. But from a footballing standpoint, the Kyogo deal has yet to show any return on investment.
Is a Return to Celtic Possible?
Given Kyogo’s current struggles, fans have begun to speculate about the possibility of a return to Celtic. The sentiment around Parkhead remains warm. Supporters remember his contribution with fondness, and many would welcome him back with open arms. However, sentiment alone won’t be enough to make it happen.
According to a recent Football Insider report, Celtic and Brendan Rodgers have “effectively moved on” from Kyogo. The club used the funds from his sale wisely and rebuilt the squad with an eye on the future. Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda, and the returning Jota have filled the attacking void, while younger players like Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly are being developed for bigger roles. Tactically, Rodgers has also made tweaks that suit more physically robust centre-forwards — not necessarily Kyogo’s style.
On Kyogo’s end, there’s also doubt about whether he would even be open to returning. Having left the club by his own choice, returning so soon might feel like an admission of failure — something no professional player takes lightly. Pride, personal ambition, and the desire to prove himself in France will all factor into any decision he makes. For now, there is no concrete indication that he’s pushing for an exit from Rennes.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Regardless of what happens next, Kyogo Furuhashi’s Celtic legacy is secure. He was instrumental in one of the club’s most exciting and successful modern periods, playing beautiful football and delivering silverware. His name will be remembered alongside other foreign heroes like Shunsuke Nakamura and Henrik Larsson — not for how his career ended at Celtic, but for what he gave during his time there.
The future remains uncertain. If he stays at Rennes, he’ll need to fight his way back into contention — something that could prove difficult without regular game time. If he opts to move on in the summer, a return to Japan or a fresh challenge in another European league could be on the cards. A return to Celtic, while romantic, seems unlikely unless a series of very specific circumstances align.
Football careers can shift quickly. All it takes is a run of goals or a new manager for the entire narrative to flip. Kyogo has the talent, work ethic, and humility to overcome this slump — but the road back to form will not be easy.
In the end, it’s a reminder of how delicate career decisions can be. What seems like a step up can quickly become a step back. For Kyogo Furuhashi, the move to Rennes might still work out — but for now, the happiest days of his European adventure remain those in green and white.
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