Birmingham City "likely" to land blockbuster transfer deal for 23-cap Japan international striker | OneFootball

Birmingham are believed to be favourites to sign Stade Rennais striker Kyogo Furuhashi

Birmingham City are reportedly likely to sign Stade Rennais striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

Blues are preparing for life back in the Championship after enjoying a record-breaking League One campaign, which saw them rack up a points tally of 111 on their way to the title.

Head coach Chris Davies will be looking to carry this ambitious form into next season with a healthy performance in the summer transfer window, and it appears they may be closing in on a player who in recent years has taken Scotland by storm.

Birmingham City eyeing up move for Kyogo Furuhashi

Birmingham are yet to add an attacker to their ranks this summer, but that may be set to change with a deal for Furuhashi.

According to reports from Japanese news outlet Sponichi Annex, the 30-year-old is "likely" to sign for City this summer in what would be a blockbuster move ahead of their return to the Championship.

The forward, who has been capped 23 times by Japan, is reportedly keen to get the move done, with the opportunity of regular game-time thought to be a determining factor due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.

Furuhashi previously ran riot north of the border with Scottish giants Celtic, scoring 86 times in 167 appearances as he endeared himself to the hearts of the Hoops’ supporters.

Stade Rennais signed the Japanese attacker in January for £10 million, but after just six Ligue 1 appearances, they are reportedly willing to let him go this summer.

Several European clubs are thought to be interested in Furuhashi, but Birmingham are said to be currently the most realistic option.

Signing Kyogo Furuhashi would be a real statement of intent from Birmingham City

Tom Wagner hasn’t been shy to flaunt his ambitious attitude towards owning Birmingham City, and why would he?

After buying the club in July 2023, he has transformed the attitude surrounding the Blues and now possesses one of the most exciting projects in the country.

Wagner has revealed that he is willing to invest £3 billion into Birmingham’s new stadium, so it isn’t a surprise to see him eager to spend to a similar degree in the transfer market.

Furuhashi ran riot during his time with Celtic and despite playing in the nation’s most competitive team, his mesmeric goal return saw Stade Rennais fork out a hefty sum for his services.

If Birmingham can capitalise on this situation and bring him to St. Andrew’s, it would lay down a real statement of intent to the rest of the Championship.