Kyogo Nears Birmingham Switch Following Ligue 1 Misfire
Kyogo Furuhashi is set to join Birmingham City in a deal worth around €12 million (£10 million), according to French outlet L’Équipe. The Japanese international is poised to leave Rennes just six months after arriving from Celtic, with talks between the two clubs described as being in “very advanced stages.”

Short-Lived Rennes Spell Ends in Frustration
Furuhashi’s move to Ligue 1 in January was seen as a major step up after a trophy-laden spell in Scotland, but the transition proved more difficult than expected. A mid-season managerial change, combined with limited tactical fit, saw the 30-year-old make just six league appearances without scoring.

Despite having joined Rennes for a reported €12 million, Furuhashi failed to make a lasting impact and is now being offered a lifeline by newly-promoted Championship side Birmingham City.

Japanese-Korean Core Driving Birmingham’s Ambition
Birmingham, who stormed to the League One title last season with a remarkable 111 points, are building a multicultural spine for their return to the Championship — and key to that success has already been the contribution of Asian players.

South Korean international Paik Seung-ho was one of the driving forces behind the club’s promotion campaign. Signed ahead of the 2024–25 season, the former Girona Midfilder slotted into central midfield and brought vision, composure, and range of passing that balanced Birmingham’s direct attacking play. He made 35 appearances across all competitions and was widely praised for his consistency.

Now, Birmingham are close to adding two more Japan internationals to their squad: Kyogo Furuhashi, the prolific striker from Rennes, and Kanya Fujimoto, a creative midfielder arriving on a free transfer from Gil Vicente. With Tomoki Iwata already in the team, the club is set to field a dynamic East Asian quartet next season.

This emerging Japanese-Korean core is expected to play a central role in Birmingham's push for back-to-back promotions — from League One champions to Premier League hopefuls.

A Chance for Redemption in England
At Celtic, Furuhashi was a sensation — notching 54 goals in 83 league matches and becoming a fan favourite with his sharp movement and clinical finishing. His success in Scotland, however, failed to translate in France, prompting the striker to seek a fresh challenge in a more familiar style of football.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, regular playing time and consistent performances will be vital for Furuhashi to remain in Japan’s national team picture. Birmingham, with its ambitions and growing Japanese connection, may be the perfect platform.

Deal Imminent as Clubs Finalise Terms
Final details are expected to be ironed out in the coming days, with both Rennes and Birmingham reportedly close to full agreement. Furuhashi’s move would mark one of the biggest acquisitions of the Championship summer window and offer the player a shot at redemption after a difficult spell on the continent.

Fans at St. Andrew’s can now look forward to a new-look front line — one that could be led by one of Asia’s most prolific forwards of recent years.