Martin O’Neill has already said Celtic’s next signing is ‘as good as anyone since Henrik Larsson’
Celtic are closing in on a sensational move to bring Parkhead hero Kyogo Furuhashi back to the Scottish Premiership.
Football Insider revealed in December that Celtic registered their interest in re-signing Kyogo, and that interest appears to have been stepped up.
The Japan international scored 85 goals in his 165 appearances for the Bhoys, and enjoyed several iconic moments at Celtic Park.
Kyogo was sold to Rennes at the start of 2025 in a deal worth around £10million, but his time with the French club was disastrous.
Celtic attempted to sign Kyogo again after he had made just six appearances without scoring for Rennes, but he joined Birmingham City instead.
What Martin O’Neill said as Celtic close in on special return
Kyogo was seen as an exciting signing for Birmingham. The striker had flopped in Ligue 1, but many players have come from the Scottish Premiership to perform well in the Championship, and indeed the Premier League.
But in 23 Championship appearances this season, the Japan international has failed to score a goal or even assist one.
| Kyogo Furuhashi | Championship 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 4.91 |
| Duels won % | 27.6% |
It has been a dismal period for the former Bhoy, with his one goal of the season coming in a Carabao Cup win over Sheffield United.
The Scottish Sun reported on Thursday that Celtic are exploring the potential of Kyogo’s return, which could even be sealed by the time Martin O’Neill takes charge of his first game since returning himself.
The Northern Irishman served as an interim manager after Brendan Rodgers had resigned, and he will now step in for the rest of the season after Wilfried Nancy was sacked by Celtic.
Speaking about Kyogo in 2024, O’Neill told the Go Radio Football show: “He’s an excellent player. And I suppose you would have to look at it.
“I can’t think offhand who might have been better than him at the time, but still a bit to go to be in the same league as Henrik Larsson. However, he’s done splendidly.”
“He’s been exceptional,” O’Neill added. “I think he’s a really good player, and really I’d probably have to look at the history books between now and then. But yeah, he’s as good as anyone since Henrik.”
Rangers will fear the sight of Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo won the Scottish Premiership in every year he competed for it. The Japan international was a constant standout for the Bhoys and ever-present in the Old Firm derby.
Of the 17 times he competed in the derby, he won 10 and lost just four, netting eight goals in that time.
After Nancy‘s team were beaten by Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday, O’Neill will be keen to make sure his side gets one back over their rivals in the reverse fixture in March.
Kyogo could be key to doing exactly that, should the striker return to Celtic Park in the coming days.