Celtic could bring back Kyogo Furuhashi this summer if he fails to impress at Birmingham City early in the season. The striker knocked back a return to the Scottish champions in January, just a year on from his £10 million Parkhead exit to Stade Rennes.
Kyogo's Glittering Celtic Career
The Japan international enjoyed a glittering career in Glasgow's East End, winning eight trophies before his switch to France. He netted 85 goals for Celtic during his first stint at the club.
However, the 31-year-old netted just three goals last season following his return to British football with Birmingham City. Celtic enquired over a loan deal to bring the frontman back to the Hoops during the winter window, but after talks, the deal fell apart as Kyogo opted to remain at St Andrew's and fight for his place.
Injury and Competition at Birmingham
Kyogo ended the season as fourth-choice striker and opted to undergo surgery to fix a long-standing shoulder issue that stretched back to his time at Celtic Park. He is now training with Chris Davies' side ahead of the new English Championship season.
Former Birmingham striker Kevin Phillips believes a slow start to the season could see Kyogo shipped out before the summer window closes, with Celtic named as a potential destination. Speaking to Record Sport via BestBettingSites.co.uk, Phillips said: "I've always liked Kyogo, there's something there, but we just haven't really seen it on a regular basis. There's no good saying we keep waiting and waiting; he needs to perform. So if he stays, he needs to hit the ground running."
Potential Exit and Celtic's Need
Phillips added: "If he doesn't, I don't think there'll be too many Blues fans kicking the door down to say stay if Birmingham were to cash in, whether he went back to Celtic or went somewhere else. So I would give him the benefit of the doubt and let him start the season. If it doesn't quite work out, then maybe look to potentially get him out on loan or move him on before the window shuts."
The Hoops added strikers Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu on loan in January instead of Kyogo, but both made little impact and have returned to their parent clubs. The void that Kyogo left when departing Celtic still remains, and the club are in dire need of more firepower with Daizen Maeda looking increasingly likely to leave.
Qarabag forward Camilo Duran is set to arrive at Celtic, but manager Brendan O'Neill is keen to add more options to his frontline. Kyogo's return could be the solution if his early season form at Birmingham fails to impress.
