Celtic are pushing for a swift answer from former fan favourite Kyogo Furuhashi over a sensational return to Parkhead, with the Japanese striker now leaning towards accepting a five-month loan deal.
From Hero to Struggles Away from Glasgow
The 30-year-old forward left Celtic just a year ago in a £10 million move to French side Rennes. However, his time in Ligue 1 proved miserable, failing to score in six appearances. A summer switch to Birmingham City offered little improvement, with his sole goal coming in a League Cup match.
Since his £4.5 million arrival from Vissel Kobe in 2021 under Ange Postecoglou, Furuhashi became a talisman, netting 85 times for the club. His struggles for game time since departing last January have opened the door for a remarkable comeback.
Celtic's Striker Crisis and O'Neill's Demands
With Martin O'Neill back in interim charge following the sacking of Wilfried Nancy, Celtic's need for a proven striker is acute. The club allowed Adam Idah to join Swansea last summer, and free agent signing Kelechi Iheanacho has been sidelined by injury.
This leaves O'Neill with only Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny as fit options ahead of Saturday's clash with Dundee United. When asked this week if a new centre-forward was needed, O'Neill's response was blunt: "I think it's pretty obvious."
The champions have slipped to third in the Scottish Premiership, six points behind leaders Hearts and three behind Rangers. O'Neill's return, his third spell and second interim stint this season, follows Nancy's disastrous tenure, which ended after six losses in eight games.
A Deal That Must Be Done Quickly
Celtic believe a short-term deal for Furuhashi can benefit all parties, but are demanding a quick 'yes or no' answer from the player. It is understood Furuhashi was initially reluctant but has spent the past 24 hours weighing the proposal and is now more open to the move.
While the Japanese international is their top target, Celtic are keeping other options open in case of a late change of heart. The club has learned from last year's experience, when Furuhashi's exit left them without a ready-made replacement.
Club legend Chris Sutton has emphasised the critical importance of January recruitment. Speaking on The Warm-Up, Sutton stated: "If Celtic do not strengthen their squad significantly in January, then I don't think Celtic win the league... I think Martin is a super smart guy, and he's very well aware that he needs help."
Furuhashi was an unused substitute in Birmingham's recent 3-2 win over Coventry, replaced by another former Celt, Patrick Roberts. A return to Glasgow could reignite his career and provide Celtic with the firepower needed to close the gap at the top of the table.
