Kyogo Furuhashi’s estimated Stade Rennais weekly wage as Birmingham City transfer interest emerges | OneFootball

Birmingham City may need to go above and beyond to bring in the 30-year-old frontman

Birmingham City's ambition knows no bounds, and now they're on the hunt to bring in one of the more prolific scorers in recent Scottish Premiership history in Kyogo Furuhashi.

Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex reported that the 30-year-old is on the transfer radar of Chris Davies after a six-month spell at Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, which has seen his career stall somewhat following just one start and six appearances in France.

Rennais bought the Japanese international for £10 million in January, and in turn made him one of their highest earners, so it begs the question as to how it hasn't quite worked out for Furuhashi at his new club.

Nevertheless, the frontman is reportedly keen to get the move done, but will his current wage be an issue if a deal were to be made?

Kyogo Furuhashi's estimated weekly wage could prove too expensive for Birmingham City

Per Capology's estimates, Kyogo Furuhashi's Stade Rennais contract sees him earn £47,065 per week, which doubles the £22,500 per week he was earning at Celtic.

Only star midfielder Seko Fofana and former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba are estimated to earn more in the Stade Rennais squad, showing how important a signing Furuhashi was when he arrived at Roazhon Park.

However, after a poor first few months, Rennes may be eager to get that hefty wage off the bill, especially given he has another two years remaining on his contract.

But would his wage prove too large for a club like Birmingham City to invest in?

Last season's Championship saw 15 players earn an estimated £45,000 per week or more, so offering Furuhashi something similar to his current Rennais contract wouldn't be too far-fetched, but for a newly promoted side - even with Birmingham's finances - may it be a step too far?

Blues will likely be hoping that Furuhashi's reported desire to find a new club outweighs any insurmountable contract demands, and that a contract similar to his one at Celtic would be enough to bring the free-scoring Japanese international to St Andrews this summer.

Kyogo Furuhashi could be worth the investment if Birmingham were to pursue signing

Chris Davies will be looking to build a side capable of reaching the Premier League next season, staying in line with Tom Wagner's ambitions for the club.

Wagner obviously has the money to throw at players this summer, and whilst Kyogo Furuhashi may accept a wage cut from his current Rennais contract, he may be worth the money if it turns out that he doesn't.

£15 million prodigy Jay Stansfield will be their first-choice frontman this season, although he can play all across the front-line, but it's up to Birmingham to bring in older players who can still contribute to take the scoring load off the 22-year-old. Last season it was Alfie May, and this year it may be Furuhashi.

The Japanese international scored just over a goal a game whilst at Celtic, and contributed 10 goals in 23 Scottish Premiership appearances in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign before he made the move to France.

So, despite a tough run in the Rennais side, Furuhashi would still arrive with plenty of goalscoring prowess, and an eagerness to prove that he can still contribute following a forgettable few months in Ligue 1.