EFL pundit Don Goodman has delivered a scathing verdict on Birmingham City's signing of Kyogo Furuhashi, describing the transfer as having gone 'horribly wrong'. The Japanese striker joined Blues from Rennes in the summer but has made little impact this season, scoring only three goals in 31 appearances.
Promising Start Turns Sour
Speaking to the Daily Record, Goodman recalled watching Kyogo in Birmingham's opening game of the season against Ipswich Town. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Ipswich scoring a late penalty. Despite the result, Goodman was initially impressed by Kyogo's performance.
"Their first game at St Andrew's, they played Ipswich Town, who were clearly the pre-season favourites to win that league," Goodman said. "And they drew 1-1. Ipswich got a late penalty. But Birmingham, in reality, in terms of performance of the game, smashed them."
Goodman noted that Kyogo had a goal ruled out for a soft foul but showcased excellent movement and a sublime finish. "I thought, wow, they're onto something here," he added.
Confidence Drain
However, the early promise quickly faded. Goodman observed that Kyogo began missing clear-cut chances in the first six to eight games, and his confidence visibly drained. "He started missing real gilt-edge chances in those first six, eight games and you could slowly but surely just see the confidence drain away from him," Goodman explained.
The pundit was blunt in his assessment: "In terms of value for money, it's gone horribly wrong with regard to that particular transfer. And it's surprising, really. I like his movement. He's energetic, he's quick. But he didn't look like he could hit a barn door, if I'm honest with you, after a difficult start."
Season Ended by Surgery
Kyogo's season has been cut short by shoulder surgery, and he has not featured for Birmingham in the last month. The striker arrived at Blues after a disappointing spell at Rennes, but had previously been a prolific goalscorer at Celtic.
Goodman also offered a broader perspective on Birmingham's season, noting that the Championship is a different challenge to League One. "I had already said to my Birmingham City friends that I have, and there are many, don't expect to be up near the top this season because you've just romped League One. The Championship is a different animal," he said.
Birmingham City fans will be hoping that Kyogo can rediscover his form once he recovers from surgery and returns to action next season.
