Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Rennes in the January transfer window was seen by many as a natural next step in his career—a chance to test himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues after dominating Scottish football with Celtic. The £10 million price tag reflected his value and stature, not only at Parkhead but in European football, where he had already shown glimpses of his talent in European competitions. The move was met with great enthusiasm, especially in Brittany, where Rennes fans hoped that Kyogo would bring his instinctive finishing, clever movement off the ball, and tireless energy to their attacking line-up.

At Celtic, Kyogo was a revelation. Signed from Vissel Kobe in 2021, he became an instant fan favourite. His movement, pace, and eye for goal made him a nightmare for defenders in the Scottish Premiership, and he quickly became a key player under Ange Postecoglou. Over two and a half seasons at Celtic, he scored more than 50 goals in all competitions, helping the club to multiple domestic trophies. He scored in finals, delivered in derbies, and developed a reputation for rising to big occasions. His knack for finding space and making intelligent runs behind defenders became a hallmark of his play in green and white.

However, things have not gone according to plan at Rennes. Since arriving in France, Kyogo has struggled to make a consistent impact. He has yet to score for his new club and has been largely limited to substitute appearances. In fact, he hasn’t started a Ligue 1 match since February 2—a statistic that has alarmed both fans and pundits who expected far more from a player of his calibre. He’s featured in only a handful of matches since then, with many of his appearances coming in the final moments of games, giving him little time to make a meaningful impression.

This lack of game time has inevitably led to speculation about his future. Some reports in France have suggested that Kyogo could already be on the way out in the summer if things don’t improve, while others have linked him with potential moves back to Japan or even a return to Celtic. With the summer transfer window approaching, his name is likely to be mentioned frequently—especially if he remains on the fringes of the squad.

Despite this, Rennes manager Habib Beye has publicly backed the Japanese forward. Speaking ahead of Rennes’ Ligue 1 clash with Le Havre, Beye made it clear that Kyogo still has a role to play in his squad. “Even if he doesn’t get the minutes he would like, he is an integral part of my squad,” Beye said. “Kyogo’s lack of playing time doesn’t mean he doesn’t meet my expectations, otherwise he wouldn’t be in the squad and he wouldn’t come on as a sub.”

Beye’s comments seem to indicate that Kyogo is still considered an important member of the team, even if he is not currently starting. “He’s a quality player and he will bring something to the team, I’m convinced of that,” Beye added. It’s the kind of support that can boost a player’s morale, but for someone of Kyogo’s age and experience, words will only go so far—what matters now is action on the pitch.

The question is whether Kyogo will be given the opportunity to change his situation in the final stretch of the season. With Rennes fighting to secure a strong finish in Ligue 1, every match is crucial, and managers are often reluctant to tinker too much with a settled side. But for Kyogo, even a few more minutes off the bench could be enough to make a difference. A goal, an assist, or a decisive contribution could change the narrative around him completely. Football is a game of fine margins, and momentum can shift quickly.

At 29 years old, Kyogo is at a pivotal stage in his career. He is no longer a developing talent; he is in his prime and needs to be playing regularly. If the situation at Rennes doesn’t improve soon, he and his representatives may have to consider their options in the summer. A move elsewhere in Europe could be on the cards—perhaps to a club that better suits his playing style or offers him more consistent minutes. Alternatively, a return to Japan or even a second spell at Celtic can’t be ruled out. Brendan Rodgers, who is well aware of Kyogo’s quality from their time at the club together, might see value in bringing him back, especially if Celtic lose key attacking players in the off-season.

Kyogo’s story is far from over. His journey in France may have hit a roadblock, but his talent is undeniable. What he needs now is a run of games and the chance to prove himself. Whether that comes at Rennes or elsewhere remains to be seen. But for fans of Celtic and admirers of his game worldwide, there is still hope that Kyogo Furuhashi will find his rhythm again and remind everyone why he was once one of the most feared forwards in British football. The coming weeks could be decisive—not just for his future at Rennes, but for the next chapter of his footballing career.