Celtic icon breaks silence on Hoops return links in January window while claiming goodbye isn't forever

Former Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi claims a Parkhead return wasn’t right for him in January because he had unfinished business at Birmingham City - but he still refuses to rule out a future Hoops move.

The 31-year old spent three-and-a-half years in Glasgow, where his prolific goal record helped the club win nine major honours. However, subsequent spells at Rennes in Ligue 1 and Birmingham in the EFL Championship weren’t as prosperous. While playing at St Andrew’s in January of last season, Celtic tried to secure Kyogo on a short-term loan deal, but the Japan international instead wanted to prove himself with the Blues and opted to stay.

A nasty shoulder injury scuppered any hopes of a Birmingham redemption arc for the striker as he’s now set for his latest challenge in the MLS with LA Galaxy. Kyogo joined the US giants last month on a five-year deal and his hoping to rejuvenate his career stateside. However, he also would never say never regarding a Hoops return.

Kyogo on why January loan Hoops return bid fell through

Last year, Celtic were criticised for not replacing the output of Kyogo - who scored 85 goals in 165 Celtic appearances before his £10m move to Rennes in January 2025. Despite eventually securing the domestic double in the 2025/26 campaign, the Hoops were far from convincing at times - particularly around halfway through the season following the disastrous appointment of flop boss Wilfried Nancy.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Kyogo was flattered that the Hoops turned to him in their hour of need in January, but that the timing wasn’t right. He said: “I was very happy with the (Celtic) offer at that time. However, at the time, my main priority was to re-establish myself at Birmingham.”

Since leaving Parkhead, Kyogo has looked a shadow of his former self, failing to find the target during his six months at Rennes and netting only one league goal for Birmingham last season in 28 appearances. When asked if he wishes he had stayed at Celtic for longer, he responded: “It’s really hard to say because things played out the way they did. But now I’m very excited to get started with LA Galaxy and fully integrate into the team.”

Hoops hero refuses to rule out return

The combined £17m additions of strikers Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh indicate Celtic may finally have replaced their Japanese marksman. However, Kyogo has been linked with a move back to Glasgow in every transfer window since leaving and it’s unlikely that this won’t continue in the future. The club icon still has fond memories of his connection with the Celtic fans and in turn, refuses to rule out a return.

When asked if it was hard to wave goodbye to Glasgow a year-and-a-half ago, Kyogo responded: “I loved my time with Celtic. It was such a special period, but at the time I was looking for a new challenge. I’m very sad that I may have broken some hearts. However, I’m not retired. I believe there will be a time where we can all meet again. All great things with Celtic.”