Celtic Turn to Scottish International Striker After Kyogo Deal Falls Through.It looks like Celtic want a Scottish international striker while a move to bring back Kyogo on loan appears to have collapsed.

Celtic want Scottish international striker amid Kyogo transfer collapse.

Less than a day ago, there was a genuine sense that Kyogo Furuhashi could be set for a return to Celtic. That optimism has now faded after Martin O’Neill poured cold water on the idea, confirming that a move is unlikely at this stage. The Japanese forward remains focused on establishing himself at Birmingham City, where his output has been limited to one goal in 25 appearances, despite continuing to receive opportunities.

That update leaves Celtic facing a familiar problem. The club are crying out for a reliable goalscorer, someone capable of delivering consistently at the sharp end. Kyogo previously filled that role superbly in Glasgow, scoring 85 goals across 165 appearances before sealing a £10 million move to Rennes last January. His proven track record made the prospect of a return especially appealing.

However, Celtic cannot afford to linger on what might have been. If Kyogo’s priority is to succeed in England, that decision has to be respected. Attention must now turn quickly to alternative targets—and one potential option lies much closer to home.

According to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are among several clubs tracking Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie during this January window. Rangers are also credited with interest, alongside a number of Championship sides, while teams in Italy and Belgium are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation as well.

Bowie offers a very different profile to Kyogo. Rather than relying on movement and sharp finishing, the Hibs forward brings physicality and presence through the middle—qualities Celtic currently lack. He may not be a prolific scorer, but his return of seven league goals and three assists from 20 appearances this season is respectable, particularly in a Hibernian side that does not create chances at the same volume as Celtic.

There is also room for growth. Bowie already has two senior Scotland caps to his name, and a move to a dominant attacking team could see his numbers improve significantly. With better service and more sustained pressure in the final third, his output could rise.

That said, relying solely on Bowie this January would carry risk. While he could be a useful addition to the squad, it is questionable whether he is ready to arrive and immediately lead the line for a Celtic side aiming to revive their season and push for the title. Ideally, he would complement another forward rather than shoulder the burden alone.

Any move may also hinge on the valuation. Reports suggest Hibernian would demand a fee in the region of £6 million to part with their striker—a figure that would require careful consideration given the broader needs of the squad.

With Kyogo effectively off the table, Celtic’s next steps will be crucial. The search for goals must continue, and whether Bowie becomes part of the solution remains to be seen.