Old Celtic pal convinced Kyogo to opt for Birmingham move

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·16 de julho de 2025

Old Celtic pal convinced Kyogo to opt for Birmingham move

Kyogo Furuhashi revealed that it was his ex-Celtic teammate and fellow Japanese player Tomoki Iwata who persuaded him to join English Championship side Birmingham City…

Former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi, personal message after joining Birmingham City from Rennes. Photo Birmingham City FC

Kyogo shared that he rejected other opportunities in order to make the move to the Championship. The former Celtic cult hero ended his difficult six months at Rennes early to secure a £10 million transfer to St Andrews.

Vídeos OneFootball

In a Japanese TV interview, the 30 year-old confessed that he took advice from his former Hoops teammate Iwata, who moved from Celtic to Chris Davies’ side last year.

Kyogo said via The Herald: “I was happy because I received many good offers, but I decided Birmingham City’s was the best for me.”

Brendan Rodgers speaks with Tomoki Iwata following during the Premiership match against St Johnstone at Celtic Park: Saturday March 16, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

“Tomoki Iwata contacted me and told me he’d be really happy if I joined him at Birmingham. I listened to what he had to say about the club and I got really excited about hearing about their ambitions. I’m looking forward to working with Iwata again and I hope I can help the team achieve their goals this season.”

“It’s true that I had a difficult period at Rennes, but I don’t regret going there and I think I grew in some ways, so I believe I can make use of that experience in Birmingham and I hope to make the most of it. My aim is to get back playing regularly – that’s my biggest hope.”

September 16th 2024: Tomoki Iwata 24 Birmingham City celebrates after scoring Birmingham s third goal during the Sky Bet League One football match between Birmingham City and Wrexham at St Andrews in Birmingham, England Natalie Mincher/SPP

“I also want to enjoy football again, score as many goals as possible and become a player who can impress many people and bring smiles to their faces. I want to be a leader on the playing side as well.”

Wishing Kyogo the best as he looks to revive his career in Birmingham. With proper management from an astute coach in Davies, there is no doubt he will find the back of the net regularly in the Championship next season.

Conor Spence

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image above to join.