Celtic FC manager Martin O’Neill has stated that a return for striker Kyogo Furuhashi to Parkhead is “unlikely,” as the player aims to establish himself at Birmingham City. The Premiership champions have been in discussions with the English club regarding a potential loan move for Furuhashi, who excelled during his tenure in Glasgow, scoring prolifically.
After a £10 million transfer to Rennes last January did not pan out as hoped, Furuhashi made a summer move to Birmingham, where he has found the net only once thus far. Celtic had hoped that returning to a club where he enjoyed considerable success, winning four league titles and five national cups, would be appealing to the 30-year-old forward. However, O’Neill believes Furuhashi is focused on proving his worth at Birmingham.
“I would have said that [a move] would probably be unlikely,” O’Neill remarked. “I think everything’s premature. I think there is a viewpoint that he wants to really prove himself at Birmingham.”
O’Neill Prioritizes Squad Reinforcements
In light of recent performances, O’Neill, who returned to Celtic last week to replace Wilfried Nancy, is actively seeking new talent to bolster the squad for the ongoing title race. He confirmed that work is progressing behind the scenes to identify and secure new signings.
“We’re doing plenty of work on it, seriously,” O’Neill stated. “I know that’s a big generalisation. We are doing that there and hopefully trying to get a few players in. There’s a lot of work going on at the moment. I think that we are well aware that we have to supplement the squad.”
The urgency for reinforcements is underscored by Rangers’ recent midweek victory over Aberdeen, which placed them three points ahead of Celtic, despite having played one more game. Meanwhile, league leaders Hearts currently sit six points clear of the defending champions. O’Neill emphasized the importance of strengthening the squad, particularly with rivals looking to enhance their own line-ups.
“I think it will be crucial,” he commented. “I think it’s really important for us as well to get some people in to supplement the squad. I keep saying that. And I’m hoping that we’ll be able to do it. Because I think that the other two clubs we’re talking about will see that this is an opportunity to bolster their squads.”
Addressing Transfer Speculation
O’Neill also responded to speculation regarding Celtic captain Callum McGregor potentially moving to Saudi Arabia to reunite with former manager Brendan Rodgers. He expressed confidence in McGregor’s commitment, stating that losing the experienced midfielder during this transfer window would be a significant setback for the team.
“If you’re asking me, would he go in this transfer window, that would be a major shock,” O’Neill remarked. “A major disappointment for me. I don’t think we could cope with that.”
As the January transfer window approaches, O’Neill’s priorities are clear: securing new players while maintaining the core of a squad that has seen both triumph and challenges this season. The Celtic manager knows that any additions could be pivotal in the pursuit of another league title amidst a competitive landscape.
