James Forrest Shares Celtic Dressing Room Sentiments on Kyogo Furuhashi’s Departure
When Kyogo Furuhashi swapped Celtic’s iconic green and white hoops for the red and black of Ligue 1 side Rennes in January 2025, it marked the end of an era for the Japanese striker at Parkhead. The £10 million transfer, a significant move for both player and club, sent ripples through the Celtic fanbase and squad alike. Veteran winger James Forrest, a Celtic stalwart with over 500 appearances, recently opened up about the dressing room’s reaction to Kyogo’s exit, shedding light on the profound impact the forward left behind.
Kyogo’s tenure at Celtic was nothing short of electric. Arriving in 2021 from Vissel Kobe for £4.5 million under Ange Postecoglou’s management, he quickly became a fan favorite with his relentless energy, clinical finishing, and infectious smile. Over three and a half seasons, he notched 75 goals in 149 appearances, including a remarkable 27-goal haul in the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership season, earning him the Golden Boot and the league’s Player of the Year award. His knack for scoring in high-stakes matches—eight goals in eleven Old Firm derbies against Rangers—cemented his status as a Celtic hero.
Forrest, speaking in a recent interview with The Celtic Way, revealed the bittersweet mood in the dressing room following Kyogo’s departure. “Kyogo was one of those players who just got it—what it means to play for Celtic,” Forrest said. “The lads were gutted to see him go, but there was so much respect for what he did here. He gave everything, every game, and you could see how much the club meant to him.” The winger highlighted Kyogo’s work rate and humility, noting that even in training, “he was always pushing, always smiling, and that rubbed off on everyone.”
The dressing room’s admiration wasn’t just about Kyogo’s goals. Forrest emphasized the striker’s role in fostering unity. “He was close with so many of the boys—Liel [Abada], Jota, Tony [Ralston], but really, he got on with everyone,” Forrest recalled, echoing sentiments Kyogo himself shared in a 2022 Q&A where he named those teammates as his closest allies. “He brought this energy that lifted the whole place, whether we were winning or going through tough spells.”
Kyogo’s move to Rennes, however, has been a stark contrast to his Celtic success. Limited to just six appearances with no goals, often confined to the bench or late cameos, his struggles have sparked rumors of a potential return to Glasgow. Forrest addressed these speculations cautiously but firmly. “Look, Kyogo’s a fighter. He’s faced challenges before, and he’ll do it again. The boys here would love to see him back one day—how could you not? But right now, we’re all just wishing him the best to smash it in France.”
The Celtic squad’s respect for Kyogo was also evident in their support for his replacement, Daizen Maeda, who has transitioned to a central striking role with notable success. Forrest noted, “Daizen’s stepped up massively, and I think Kyogo would be proud to see how the team’s kept pushing forward. That’s the Celtic way—you move on, but you never forget what someone like Kyogo brought.” This sentiment reflects the professionalism within Brendan Rodgers’ squad, which has maintained its dominance in the Scottish Premiership despite the loss of a key figure.
Kyogo’s departure wasn’t without controversy. Reports suggest his decision to change agents in 2024 and subsequent links to clubs like Manchester City hinted at a desire for a new challenge. Some, including Celtic Blog editor James Forrest (no relation), have criticized the move, arguing Kyogo’s agent pushed him to a club where the manager didn’t prioritize him, leading to his current struggles. Yet, within the Celtic dressing room, there’s no bitterness. “He made his choice, and you’ve got to respect that,” Forrest said. “If he wasn’t fully committed, it’s better for everyone to move on, but he’ll always be one of us.”
The emotional weight of Kyogo’s exit was amplified by his own words to Celtic fans, shared via Football Insider. “I’ll carry Celtic in my heart forever,” he said, thanking supporters for their unwavering passion. Forrest revealed the squad echoed this gratitude. “We were talking about how the fans took to him from day one—his chant, the way they roared when he came back from injury. He felt that love, and we felt it for him too.”
As Celtic march on, with Rodgers’ side eyeing another title and a strong Champions League campaign, Kyogo’s legacy endures. Forrest’s comments paint a picture of a dressing room that cherished the Japanese star’s contributions and continues…
