Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure from Celtic FC to join French club Rennes has been a significant talking point among fans and analysts. While initial reports suggested that his exit was amicable and driven by a desire for a new challenge, recent revelations indicate that Kyogo felt compelled to leave due to factors beyond his control. Notably, it appears that his decision was influenced by issues unrelated to manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Underlying Reasons for Kyogo’s Departure
According to reports, Kyogo had been contemplating an exit from Celtic midway through the season. His decision was influenced by a combination of factors, including his evolving role under Brendan Rodgers and personal aspirations. Kyogo expressed a desire to experience a new challenge in a top European league, which he believed would enhance his visibility to Japan’s national team manager, Hajime Moriyasu.
The Role of Injuries
Another significant factor contributing to Kyogo’s departure was his ongoing battle with a shoulder injury. Reports suggest that he was advised to undergo surgery to address the issue, which would have sidelined him for a considerable period. This impending medical procedure may have influenced his decision to seek a fresh start elsewhere. 
Kyogo’s Perspective
Upon completing his transfer to Rennes, Kyogo shared his thoughts on the move:
“I was looking for a new challenge in a top European league. I believe this move will not only help me grow as a player but also increase my chances of being selected for the national team.”
This revelation has sparked a heated debate among supporters, with many questioning whether the club truly did everything in its power to keep their star forward.
Why Did Kyogo Leave Celtic?
When Kyogo’s €12 million transfer to Rennes was confirmed, the official narrative suggested that the move was amicable and based on personal ambition. Kyogo himself stated that he was looking for a fresh challenge in a top European league, one that could also increase his chances of making Japan’s national team on a regular basis.
However, a new report suggests that Kyogo felt pushed out of the club—not by Rodgers, but by a high-ranking official within Celtic’s hierarchy. The report hints that:
• Contract negotiations stalled, leading to frustration on Kyogo’s side.
• The club’s financial strategy may have prioritized cashing in on Kyogo rather than securing his long-term future.
• A lack of assurances about his role in Celtic’s long-term plans left him feeling uncertain.
These claims have led many fans to direct their frustration at the Celtic board, questioning whether they truly valued Kyogo as a key player or saw him as a profitable asset to be sold.
Who “Forced” Kyogo Out?
Although the report does not explicitly name the person Kyogo blames, many fans have speculated that it could be Celtic’s CEO, Michael Nicholson, or another member of the club’s senior management.
🔹 Contract Negotiation Breakdown – Some reports indicate that Kyogo was open to extending his stay at Celtic if he received the right assurances regarding his future role and salary. However, discussions never progressed seriously, leaving Kyogo uncertain about his future.
🔹 Financial Prioritization – With Celtic frequently looking to sell high-value players for profit, Kyogo may have felt that the club was more interested in cashing in on him rather than keeping him as a long-term centerpiece.
🔹 Injury Concerns & Lack of Support – Reports also suggest that Kyogo’s ongoing shoulder injury played a role in his decision. He may have expected the club to back him with a long-term vision despite his injury, but instead, Celtic’s reluctance to commit left him feeling expendable.
If true, these revelations paint a very different picture of Kyogo’s departure—one that suggests he didn’t necessarily want to leave but felt he had no other choice.
Why It’s Not Brendan Rodgers’ Fault
When news broke of Kyogo’s departure, many fans assumed that Brendan Rodgers was the driving force behind the move. Some pointed to the fact that Kyogo’s role under Rodgers wasn’t as central as it was under Ange Postecoglou, suggesting that Rodgers didn’t fully trust him.
However, this new report dismisses that theory, stating that Rodgers had no intention of forcing Kyogo out. In fact:
• Rodgers reportedly wanted to keep Kyogo, but the situation was already beyond his control.
• The manager was not directly involved in contract discussions, meaning that financial decisions were handled by others in the club.
• Rodgers was open to squad rotation, but Kyogo may have felt insecure about his long-term place in the lineup.
This revelation shifts the blame away from Rodgers and onto Celtic’s upper management, fueling concerns that the club may be prioritizing finances over retaining key players.
Fan Reactions: “Did Celtic Really Try to Keep Him?”
As expected, these revelations have divided Celtic fans, with many now questioning whether the club truly made an effort to secure Kyogo’s long-term future.
🔹 “If true, this is shocking. Kyogo was one of our most important players, and we let him go without a fight?”
🔹 “People were blaming Rodgers, but it looks like it was the board all along. Typical Celtic move—sell for profit instead of building a long-term team.”
🔹 “I can understand Kyogo feeling pushed out if he wasn’t getting assurances. He deserved more respect from the club.”
Others, however, believe that Kyogo’s move was always inevitable, regardless of how it happened.
🔹 “Celtic is a selling club. That’s just the reality. We were never going to keep Kyogo forever.”
🔹 “Maybe this was a good move for all parties. If his heart wasn’t 100% in it anymore, then it’s best to move on.”
Regardless of which side fans fall on, one thing is clear: Kyogo’s departure now feels far less straightforward than it first appeared.
What This Means for Celtic’s Future
Kyogo’s exit raises serious questions about Celtic’s long-term squad strategy. While selling players for profit is part of modern football, losing a player of Kyogo’s caliber without a clear plan for replacement is risky.
Key Concerns Moving Forward:
🔹 Who replaces Kyogo? – Celtic need a high-quality striker who can replicate Kyogo’s movement, finishing, and big-game mentality.
🔹 Will other stars feel the same? – If players see that key figures like Kyogo are being pushed out, it may make Celtic a less attractive place to stay long-term.
🔹 Is the board too focused on financial decisions? – If Celtic are prioritizing player sales over squad stability, it could hurt the club’s competitiveness in Europe.
The summer transfer window will be crucial in determining whether Celtic can move forward positively or whether Kyogo’s exit signals a worrying trend for the club.
Final Thoughts: Was Kyogo’s Exit Avoidable?
If reports are true, Kyogo Furuhashi did not leave Celtic entirely by choice—he left because he felt pushed out by the club’s handling of his future. While Brendan Rodgers has been cleared of direct blame, the finger now points toward the board, with many questioning whether they truly fought to keep one of their best players.
This situation serves as a warning for Celtic’s leadership—fans will not tolerate key players being forced out due to poor management decisions. If similar situations arise in the future, the pressure on the club’s hierarchy will only grow stronger.
For now, Kyogo has moved on—but Celtic supporters are left wondering: Could the club have done more to keep him?
Conclusion
While initial assumptions may have pointed towards managerial decisions as the primary reason for Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure from Celtic FC, it is evident that a combination of personal aspirations and injury concerns played a more substantial role. Kyogo’s move to Rennes represents his pursuit of growth and new opportunities in European football.
What do you think? Was Kyogo Furuhashi truly “forced out” of Celtic, or was his departure inevitable? Let us know your thoughts!
Leave a Reply