Yuki Kobayashi will be allowed to leave Celtic on loan in January. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made the decision to get the Japanese central defender out playing games as he looks to get himself in a position whereby he can get regular minutes.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rodgers confirmed that Kobayashi was available for loan in the summer before getting injured but the Irishman confirmed that the player has been training well.
“In fairness to Yuki, he would have gone out on loan and he got injured just before he went out.
“He’s training well, it’s not that he’s doing anything wrong. His attitude has been fantastic, he’s working hard, but we’ve a limited number of centre-halves that we can play.”
Yuki Kobayashi of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park on April 08, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
According to the report, there are a number of J-League clubs that are keen on signing the 23-year-old and it is hoped that a deal will be secured before the window opens up.
Since arriving from Vissel Kobe, Kobayashi has made 7 appearances but struggled with the physicality of the Scottish game. Kobayashi was working his way back from injury when Liam Scales propelled himself into the heart of the Celtic defence with quality performances at the back. The Irishman’s story will certainly show Kobayashi that there is still a pathway towards playing first team football but it is in everyone’s best interests if he gets football while out on loan.
Kobayashi will likely be one of the first departures with a variety of loan moves and permanent transfers in the January window as Brendan Rodgers looks to reshape his squad by reducing numbers but increasing quality.
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