Celtic Striker Kyogo Furuhashi Loan Enquiry Rejected as Martin O'Neill Suggests He'll Stay at Birmingham City Until Proven Himself.
In a press conference ahead of Celtic's match against Dundee United, interim manager Martin O'Neill has cast doubt on the possibility of striker Kyogo Furuhashi returning to Parkhead in the January transfer window. The 30-year-old Japanese forward, who joined Birmingham City from Celtic last summer for Β£10m, was seen as a valuable asset for the Championship club despite failing to score in his 23 league appearances so far.
O'Neill's comments suggest that it would be "unlikely" for Furuhashi to rejoin the Hoops, with O'Neill speculating that the player may want to prove himself at Birmingham City before making a return to Scotland. The 73-year-old boss has stated that he believes there is a viewpoint among the club's staff and fans that Furuhashi should be given time to show what he can do for Birmingham City.
Furuhashi's decision to join Rennes in January last year was influenced by Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu, who advised him to move to one of Europe's top leagues to have a chance at the World Cup. The forward played sparingly for Rennes before joining Birmingham City on loan until the end of the season.
Celtic have already made several moves to strengthen their squad in this transfer window, signing Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth. However, O'Neill remains committed to bringing in more players and is confident that the club can find suitable replacements for Furuhashi if he were to leave.
In a press conference ahead of Celtic's match against Dundee United, interim manager Martin O'Neill has cast doubt on the possibility of striker Kyogo Furuhashi returning to Parkhead in the January transfer window. The 30-year-old Japanese forward, who joined Birmingham City from Celtic last summer for Β£10m, was seen as a valuable asset for the Championship club despite failing to score in his 23 league appearances so far.
O'Neill's comments suggest that it would be "unlikely" for Furuhashi to rejoin the Hoops, with O'Neill speculating that the player may want to prove himself at Birmingham City before making a return to Scotland. The 73-year-old boss has stated that he believes there is a viewpoint among the club's staff and fans that Furuhashi should be given time to show what he can do for Birmingham City.
Furuhashi's decision to join Rennes in January last year was influenced by Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu, who advised him to move to one of Europe's top leagues to have a chance at the World Cup. The forward played sparingly for Rennes before joining Birmingham City on loan until the end of the season.
Celtic have already made several moves to strengthen their squad in this transfer window, signing Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth. However, O'Neill remains committed to bringing in more players and is confident that the club can find suitable replacements for Furuhashi if he were to leave.