Kyogo Furuhashi Facing Birmingham Exit? – Football Tribe Japan

Kyogo Furuhashi’s Future at Birmingham City in Doubt After Falling Out of Favor

February 17, 2026 – Kyogo Furuhashi is reportedly facing an uncertain future at Birmingham City, having been relegated to fourth-choice striker, according to reports emerging from Japan and the UK. The development adds to a frustrating period for the 31-year-old Japanese forward, who previously turned down a return to Celtic F.C. Earlier this year.

The news, initially flagged by Football Tribe Japan on social media, has been corroborated by multiple sources detailing Furuhashi’s diminished role within the Birmingham City squad. Manager Chris Davies has seemingly confirmed that Furuhashi is no longer a central figure in his plans, leaving his position with the Championship side in jeopardy.

Furuhashi joined Birmingham City in July 2025 for a reported £10 million transfer, arriving with high expectations. However, he has struggled to replicate the goal-scoring form he displayed during his time with Celtic. He has found the net only once in 26 Championship appearances this season, a stark contrast to his prolific record in Scotland.

The situation represents a significant downturn in fortunes for the player who was a fan favorite at Celtic. Signed from Japan’s J-League by Ange Postecoglou in 2021, Furuhashi quickly established himself as a key player, scoring 85 goals in 165 appearances and collecting eight major trophies. He was instrumental in a period of success for the Glasgow club.

In January 2025, Furuhashi opted for a move to Stade Rennais F.C. In France, but that stint lasted only six months before he returned to the UK with Birmingham City. At the time, a loan move back to Celtic was a realistic possibility, given his popularity with the Celtic supporters. However, Furuhashi chose to remain in England, believing he could secure a regular starting position.

That belief has not materialized. A recent match against Hull City highlighted Furuhashi’s struggles, with a missed opportunity in the second half encapsulating his current form, according to reports. The incident underscored the growing disconnect between expectation and reality for the Japanese striker.

EFL pundit Adrian Clarke has noted that Furuhashi is “struggling” and suggested that Birmingham City might be better served focusing on retaining manager August Priske rather than persisting with the forward. This assessment adds further weight to the speculation surrounding Furuhashi’s future.

Swansea City and his former club, Celtic, have both been linked with a potential transfer for Furuhashi. While his contract with Birmingham City runs until June 2028, his current market value is estimated at €6.00m, suggesting a move could be feasible.

The initial excitement surrounding Furuhashi’s arrival at Birmingham City is now giving way to disappointment. Whether he can rediscover his form and justify his price tag remains to be seen, but his current situation suggests a departure from St Andrew’s could be on the cards.