Birmingham City are ‘likely’ to sign Rennes forward Kyogo Furuhashi, according to Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex.
Birmingham City are gearing up for another exciting transfer window, having already demonstrated their financial muscle last summer. With promotion to the Premier League firmly in their sights, the Blues could be serious contenders at the top end of the Championship this season.
Chris Davies’ side dominated League One last year, amassing an impressive 111 points. While replicating that level of dominance in the Championship will be a tougher task, Birmingham City have set their ambitions high once again.
A new name has come up on Blues fans’ radar now, and it is an exciting potential addition at that. According to Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex, former Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi is ‘likely’ to join Birmingham City.
Furuhashi joined Rennes from Celtic in January for an eight-figure fee, but he has been restricted to just six appearances for the French side. He is now set to leave the club in search of consistent game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
He is keen on a move to BCFC, where he would be linking up with fellow Japanese International Tomoki Iwata, as well as youth international Ayumu Yokoyama. Furuhashi has 23 caps for his country, scoring five times.
Top Six the aim again?
Everyone knows of Birmingham City’s ambitions, they have made no secret of their aims of a Premier League return and beyond. However, a move for Furuhashi suggests they are on a faster course than expected.
He, along with the deal to sign Phil Neumann, are particularly good signings and are good enough for most sides in the top half of the table. The Blues could be looking higher up the table than first anticipated.
The top six is not out of the realms of possibility, after all many sides have achieved it after promotion from League One. If they keep making moves like they already have though, it could become an expectation.
High-profile interest last summer
Furuhashi’s form for Celtic attracted the interest of some huge clubs. He scored 86 times in 167 appearances for the Scottish giants.
This form caught the eye of Manchester City last summer, before he moved to Rennes in January. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed he was an option for them, but the move never materialised.
Furuhashi is clearly highly thought of, but his lack of minutes will have put sides off. If Birmingham City can get the deal done, it will be a massive coup for the Blues.
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