After showcasing their financial strength last summer, Birmingham City is preparing for another intriguing transfer window. The Blues could be strong competitors at the top of the Championship this season, with promotion to the Premier League firmly in their sights.
Although it will be more difficult to duplicate that level of dominance in the Championship, Birmingham City has set its sights high once again after dominating League One with an amazing 111 points last season under Chris Davies’ team.
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.
Since numerous teams have achieved the top six after being promoted from League One, it is still possible. However, it might become expected if they continue to act in the same manner.
High-profile interest last summer Furuhashi’s form for Celtic caught the notice of numerous large teams. In 167 games for the Scottish powerhouses, he scored 86 goals.
Before he moved to Rennes in January, Manchester City was interested in this form last summer. Although the move never happened, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stated that he was a possibility for them.
Although Furuhashi is obviously well-liked, his lack of playing time will have turned some people off. It would be a huge victory for the Blues if Birmingham City could close the deal.
