Forward Kyogo Furuhashi, aged 30, has finalized his transfer to Birmingham City, departing Stade Rennais after spending only half a season with the team.
Furuhashi was initially sought after by manager Jorge Sampaoli. However, Sampaoli was sacked just days following the striker`s arrival on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Under Sampaoli`s replacement at Roazhon Park, Habib Beye, Furuhashi saw very limited playing time. The Japanese forward failed to score for `Les Rouge et Noir` and, after only six months in Brittany, he was among several players Stade Rennais aimed to sell in the current transfer window.
Although the exact transfer fee hasn`t been officially confirmed, reports from L`Équipe suggest Rennes will receive slightly over €9 million for Furuhashi, with potential add-ons bringing the total closer to €10 million. The 30-year-old has penned a three-year contract with Birmingham City, who are set to compete in the EFL Championship next season.
