Former Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi completed a £10 million move to France last month but has struggled for game time at Rennes.
The Japanese forward was left on the bench for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Saint-Étienne, following his debut against Strasbourg. Meanwhile, his agent, Joel Pannick, has shed light on the transfer process, revealing that discussions about the move began two months before the winter window opened.
Brendan Rodgers previously disclosed that Kyogo had been keen to leave the Scottish champions for some time and finally secured his exit to Ligue 1. However, Celtic’s failure to sign a replacement before the deadline frustrated fans, leaving Johnny Kenny as Adam Idah’s backup. While Daizen Maeda impressed with a hat-trick against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup, Rodgers has indicated he prefers him in a wider attacking role.
Agent lifts the lid on Kyogo’s exit
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Pannick explained the complexities of the transfer, emphasizing that multiple clubs worldwide expressed interest in Kyogo. He noted that while some offers were financially lucrative, the player’s sporting ambitions—particularly with the World Cup in mind—played a key role in the decision.
He also highlighted the delicate negotiations between Celtic and Rennes, stating:
“A club never wants to lose its best player mid-season. Often, the big number is agreed upon quickly, but finer details—such as payment schedules, bonuses, and future sell-on clauses—can become sticking points. These elements require careful discussions before finalizing a deal.”
Pannick outlined the typical transfer process, which includes obtaining club approval for travel, undergoing a two-part medical, and completing legal paperwork before the final media presentation.
Despite Kyogo’s slow start at Rennes, his agent’s insights reveal that his departure from Celtic was a well-planned move rather than a last-minute decision.
