Two former Hoops players have had differing fortunes since moving down south
21:09, 02 Jan 2026Updated 22:18, 02 Jan 2026
Kyogo has yet to score a Championship goal for Birmingham(Image: Phil Bryan/Shutterstock)
Celtic fans were rubbing their hands when the club netted £2million plus add-ons for out-of-favour youngster Bosun Lawal in 2024.
Now, they might be wondering what could have been, with the Irish powerhouse being tipped to reach the highest level of the game.
Hoops chiefs cashed in on Lawal at the start of last season after Brendan Rodgers decided the versatile midfielder wouldn’t cut it at Parkhead.
Lured from Watford to Glasgow in 2021, Lawal clearly possessed all the raw attributes to become a top player and starred on a season-long loan with Fleetwood Town in 2023-24.
But after failing to win over Rodgers on his return in pre-season, Celtic sanctioned a £2m exit to Stoke City.
Plagued by injuries in his debut season, Lawal only managed to make eight appearances for the Potters.
But the 22-year-old’s career with the EFL Championship has burst into life this season, where he has become a mainstay under Mark Robins.
Lawal has predominantly played at centre-back and right-back but left fans purring after a stellar showing in his preferred central midfield position in Thursday’s 1-0 away win at Hull City.
And with Republic of Ireland star Josh Cullen facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a nightmare knee injury, Lawal has been backed to win his first international cap.
Eire Guide wrote: “Bosun Lawal (22) was imperious in the heart of the Stoke City midfield yesterday as the Potters took all points away to Hull City. They sang his name, he ran the show but also showed nuance in an offensive manner too. We’ll be missing Josh Cullen for the Czech Republic game but on yesterday’s evidence we may have a ready replacement.”
Republic of Ireland Player Tracker raved: “For Stoke City away to Hull, Bosun Lawal started as a number six and was man of the match in a huge 1-0 win. He was brilliant in every aspect – in possession, out of possession, using his physicality, stature and outstanding technical ability to completely control the midfield against a very good side.
“I’ve said for a long time how highly I rate Bosun and how high a level he can reach. He has every tool to go as far as he wants in the game – it’s always just been about staying fit and having a manager willing to trust him in midfield. Mark Robins put him back into what I believe is his best position today, and he was outstanding.
“We may already have our Cullen replacement. He’s screaming out for us. That man is Bosun Lawal.”
Bosun Lawal outmuscles Oli McBurnie(Image: PA)
Another punter wrote: “Watching the game back now. Bosun Lawal was unbelievably good yesterday.”
While Lawal is relishing life down south, the same can’t be said for ex-Celtic teammate Kyogo – who has yet to score in 22 Championship appearances for Birmingham.
The £10m marquee signing from Rennes was signed by former Hoops No2 Chris Davies to help Blues’ Premier League promotion bid.
But the Japan talisman has flopped spectacularly so far – with his only goal coming in an EFL Cup clash back in September.
Despite his barren run and hefty price tag, Birmingham fans remain firmly behind the 30-year-old, as evidenced in last night’s 3-0 defeat at Vicarage Road Stadium.
Birmingham Live writer Alex Dicken blogged during the game: “Kyogo replaced by Marvin Ducksch for the final 22 minutes. Round of applause from the away end for Kyogo for putting himself about despite the lack of service.”
One fan sighed: “Just watch Kyogo with his movement up top. He lives on the shoulder of the defenders but we do nothing to exploit it. The constant moving and runs he makes only for us to go back or sideways. No wonder he’s frustrated, just play the ball too him.”
Another sympathised: “Feel for Kyogo, yes, he’s missed sitters but imagine having Paik, Iwata and WW infront of you to provide service, all can’t pass forward.”