It has been less than three months since Kyogo Furuhashi left Celtic to join Rennes. It must feel like a lifetime for the Japanese international though, who has gone from a nailed-on starter at Parkhead to a bit-part player, at best, at Roazhon Park. Something needs to change and that became even clearer this week.
The desire to represent Japan at the next World Cup was believed to be the driving factor behind Kyogo's decision to leave Celtic, and the chance to play Champions League knockout football, and join Rennes. Admittedly, he had often been overlooked for national team selection while in Glasgow.
That being said, one would imagine that Kyogo's chances of being picked for the next World Cup won't be enhanced by him sitting on the bench or at home. That is exactly what he is doing at Rennes right now.
Kyogo was not even included in the matchday squad as Rennes took on FC Nantes. This is the first time since his move to the French club that this has happened. And this will only intensify rumours of a possible return to Celtic in the summer.
Kyogo hits new low at Rennes amid Celtic return rumours
Kyogo has made only one start for Rennes since joining them in the winter. Most of the time, he has been used as a substitute or left on the bench completely. But now, he is even struggling to make it into the squad.
This will surely worry the Japanese forward. The club's manager, Habib Beye, has talked about Kyogo being an integral part of his plans in recent times. But his selection has certainly not backed up those claims.
Now, the question is, does a return to Celtic make sense for both parties? For Kyogo, it does. He knows the club like the back of his hand and is also familiar with Brendan Rodgers' system, albeit not thriving in it.
The same cannot be said about Celtic though. While Kyogo has scored 85 goals for the club, he never looked at his best under the management of Rodgers and perhaps the time for change had come.