Inside Kyogo’s transfer from Celtic and why he ended up at Rennes

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The Celtic Star

·11 Februari 2025

Inside Kyogo’s transfer from Celtic and why he ended up at Rennes

Kyogo Furuhashi’s agent, Joel Pannick, has given an insight into the former Celtic forward’s quick departure last month…

Kyogo’s goodbye message to Celtic

The 30 year-old exited Celtic following a successful three-and-a-half year spell at the Hoops where Furuhashi netted on 85 occasions in 165 appearances. However, Ligue 1 club Rennes snapped up the want-away striker for around €10m which saw fans-favourite Jota head in the other direction in a completely separate deal negotiated by the two clubs.

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Kyogo changed agents last summer

Signing up with a new agency in the summer of 2024, it was obvious that the Japanese frontman desired a move elsewhere – but for most supporters his legacy and hero status at Celtic remains intact. Now, his agent, Pannick, has opened up on Kyogo’s January departure as reported in The Sunday Times.

Kyogo publicity phot for Rennes after his move from Celtic. Photo Rennes FC

“We had teams from all over the world express interest,” Pannick said. “There are certain markets where it would have been a very lucrative contract, but what sporting ambitions would realistically be achieved, particularly with the World Cup in mind in 18 months?

‘We had to speak to Celtic to understand their perspective’

“Then we had to speak to Celtic to understand their perspective because a club has no desire to lose their best player halfway through the season.”

Kyogo in Rennes. Photo social media

Despite Celtic and Rennes agreeing a deal on the Wednesday evening of Brendan Rodgers’ side’s 1-0 victory over BSC Young Boys in the Champions League, Kyogo was not announced as a Rennes player until the following Monday.

‘These things are never easy’

“These things are never easy,” Pannick revealed. “Often clubs will talk directly up to a certain point and the big number will be agreed, but then the dates of the payments, bonus structures, future sell-on percentages, these small points can become sticking points.

“There’s no travel booked without the permission of the club. Then, there is usually a two-part medical at a hospital and the training ground. There’s cardio work, blood tests, a general check-up. Some clubs are very stringent, others not so much. Then, there is a final check of the paperwork. Your lawyer comes in at that point and the media team will take the player off to take some photos and film a few short videos and coordinate the announcements.”

Kyogo has played 66 minutes for Rennes

Since leaving Glasgow’s east end, Kyogo has notched up 66 minutes in a Rennes jersey, managing just seven touches of the ball. The modern-day Celtic icon made his debut in a 1-0 league victory over Strasbourg last week.

Kyogo Furuhashi of Stade Rennais is pictured on the substituted bench at the Ligue 1l match between AS Saint-Etienne and Stade Rennais FC on February 08, 2025 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France. Photo IMAGO

However, Kyogo was an unused substitute during Rennes 2-0 win against Saint-Etienne on Saturday which propelled the Brittany club up the table with the New Rennes manager Habib Beye yet to call on the former Celtic man signed by his predecessor.