“I’ll work harder and harder so that I can give you good news,” Kyogo

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The Celtic Star

·17 juin 2025

“I’ll work harder and harder so that I can give you good news,” Kyogo

Former Celtic forward Kyogo has indicated his determination to work hard and compete for a place in Rennes’ squad next season…

Kyogo Furuhashi of Stade Rennais during the Ligue 1 match between Stade Rennais and RC Strasbourg on February 02, 2025 at Roazhon Park in Rennes, France. Photo by Manuel Blondeau AOP

Since his arrival in France in January, the ex-Hoops star has faced a challenging and difficult transition. Since his £10 million transfer, the Japan international has accumulated only 120 minutes on the pitch and has made just one league start.

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His future remains unclear under manager Habib Beye, who largely sidelined him towards the closing end of the season. During his off-season break, the 30-year-old returned to Japan and made a guest appearance at his former club, Vissel Kobe.

‘Kyogo Furuhashi has returned to Noesta! Greeting on the pitch at halftime. He greeted the many fans and supporters with a smile…’

ありがとうございました🙏 ナイス勝利✌️
– dimanche 15 juin 2025

Addressing the Vissel Kobe fans, Kyogo delivered a speech that suggested his intention to make an impact at his current club, offering insight into his mindset for the upcoming season.

“I’m really happy to be able to stand in front of you all again”

As reported by Japanese outlet Hochi News, Kyogo said: “To all Kobe supporters, I’m really happy to be able to stand in front of you all again. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I’ll work harder and harder so that I can give you good news. Please support me.”

Kyogo was recently omitted from the Japan national team in the lead-up to next year’s World Cup and has been the subject of transfer speculation surrounding a possible exit from Rennes.

@visselkobe @Kyogo_Furuhashi きょーちゃん会いたかった😂 何処に行ってもずっーと応援しています📣🫶
– dimanche 15 juin 2025

There has been numerous articles about Kyogo moving to from Rennes to England in the summer, the latest being a suggestion that he’d be a great fit for Chris Davies at Birmingham City, where of course Tomoki Iwata also plays after leaving Celtic. However a move to the Championship would not really satisfy Kyogo’s wishes to play in a top five league and force his way into the Japan squad for next summer’s World Cup Finals.

September 16th 2024: Tomoki Iwata celebrates after scoring Birmingham’s third goal during the League One football match between Birmingham City and Wrexham at St Andrews. Photo Natalie Mincher/SPP

Any talk of Celtic return also seems both fanciful and unrealistic for that same reason and many others too, but like every other Celtic supporter I certainly wish Kyogo well and hope that he finds a club who appreciate him as much as we did from day one to the day he left.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two by Matt Corr – out now on Celtic Star Books.