Ibrahima Konate's performance against Crystal Palace has been under a lot of criticism (Credits: Imago Images)
Celtic could reignite their pursuit of Kyogo Furuhashi this summer if the striker fails to impress at Birmingham City early in the new Championship season.
The Japanese international rejected a return to Celtic Park during the January transfer window, just one year after leaving Stade Rennes for Birmingham City.
Kyogo had previously enjoyed a standout spell in Glasgow’s East End, winning eight trophies before his £10 million move to Rennes.
The 31-year-old managed only three goals last season following his return to British football, a modest return by any measure.
Celtic had enquired about a loan deal to bring the striker back during the winter window, but talks broke down and the move never materialised.
Kyogo had netted 85 goals during his time at Celtic Park, making his departure a significant loss that the club has since struggled to adequately replace.
He chose to remain at Birmingham and fight for his position, but ultimately finished the season as the club’s fourth-choice striker before opting for early shoulder surgery to fix a long-standing issue.
Celtic brought in Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu on loan as alternatives during the winter window, but both forwards made little impact and have since returned to their parent clubs.
With Daizen Maeda looking increasingly likely to depart and Qarabag forward Camilo Duran set to arrive, manager O’Neill remains keen to add further firepower to his frontline.
Kyogo is currently training with Chris Davies’ Birmingham squad ahead of the new Championship campaign, but former Birmingham striker Kevin Phillips believes a slow start could see him moved on before the summer window closes.
Speaking to Record Sport via BestBettingSites.co.uk, Phillips said: “I’ve always liked Kyogo, there’s something there, but we just haven’t really seen it on a regular basis.”
The former England international was blunt about what would be required from the striker when the season gets underway in the coming weeks.
Phillips added: “There’s no good saying we keep waiting and waiting; he needs to perform. So if he stays, he needs to hit the ground running.”
He suggested that supporters would not stand in the way of a sale if Kyogo continued to underwhelm, regardless of the destination.
“If he doesn’t, I don’t think there’ll be too many Blues fans kicking the door down to say stay if Birmingham were to cash in, whether he went back to Celtic or went somewhere else,” Phillips said.
Phillips concluded by recommending patience in the short term, saying: “If it doesn’t quite work out, then maybe look to potentially get him out on loan or move him on before the window shuts.”
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