UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, Swansea City has expressed interest in acquiring Kyogo Furuhashi from Birmingham City as the transfer deadline looms just days away. With the window closing on August 31, 2023, the urgency for both clubs is palpable.
After a challenging start to their Championship campaign, Birmingham City is facing a crucial decision regarding the future of their star forward. Despite joining the club for a reported £10 million from Stade Rennais in July, Kyogo has struggled to find form, netting only three goals this season. His recent performances, however, included goals against Cambridge United and Sheffield Wednesday, reigniting interest in his potential.
Just one week after a tense 1-1 draw between Swansea and Birmingham, reports from Football Insider and WalesOnline confirm that Swansea is keen to negotiate a deal for the forward. The nature of the deal—permanent or loan—is still under discussion, but significant concerns about Kyogo’s wage demands have emerged.
“It’s a very interesting state of affairs and a very interesting rumour,” said Swansea fan pundit Will Hughes. “I wouldn’t have thought the Swans would even be looking at Kyogo.”
Kyogo’s current wage at Birmingham stands at an impressive £40,000 per week, making him the club’s top earner. This figure is notably higher than the estimated earnings of Swansea’s top players, including Cameron Burgess and Adam Idah. The financial implications of meeting his wage demands pose a significant risk for Swansea, especially given Kyogo’s age of 31.
Hughes added that while Kyogo could provide a much-needed boost to Swansea’s attacking options, especially with his ability to adapt to Vitor Matos’ high-pressing style, the club must weigh the financial risks carefully. “If we’re going to be buying him out of his contract and taking on his very heavy wages, then I think, well, that’s not really a good signing,” he cautioned.
As the clock ticks down towards the transfer deadline, all eyes are on Swansea City and Birmingham City. Will Swansea take the plunge to sign Kyogo, or will they let this opportunity slip away? With just 17 matches left in the league season, Birmingham is eager to solidify their squad as they aim for a playoff spot, currently sitting at 13th place in the Championship table.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as developments unfold. The transfer market remains a volatile environment, and with the stakes higher than ever, both clubs must act decisively. Keep following for the latest updates as this story continues to develop.
