Yuki Kobayashi could be set for a Celtic exit after a report claimed that a bid had been accepted for the central defender. Kobayashi was last spotted on the bench as Celtic beat Rangers at Ibrox in September but fell out of the picture under Brendan Rodgers.
The 23-year-old hasn’t made an appearance this season and it has been expected that he would be moved on to find game time. Now, Football Insider are claiming that the Japanese defender could be set to leave with a bid having been accepted. This means that a likely route is a return to Japan or the MLS.
After arriving from Vissel Kobe, Kobayashi made just seven appearances and appeared increasingly uneasy with the pace and physical nature of Scottish football. It was telling that Ange decided to go with Tomoki Iwata over Kobayashi in the Scottish Cup Final after a poor showing at Ibrox by Kobayashi.
Harry Kewell is reportedly monitoring the situation for Kobayashi, with the Australian now at the helm of Yokohama F Marinos. The report also says that the defender is available for either a transfer or a loan as Brendan Rodgers attempts to trim his squad.
I wonder how many supporters like myself would rather see Kobayashi at left back rather than Bernabei ? He might not be centre back materiel for this league ,but he has the height ,athleticism and natural left foot to be given a chance there surely ?
Wish the lad all the best, poorer players are getting match time under Rodgers, his forward passing style doesn’t suit Rodgers back passing.
Lads never been given a chance.
I felt sorry for Kobayashi. Don’t think the boy got many opportunities to show off his talent. Wish him well wherever he moves.
For what it’s worth, I think he is more than decent, another example of Rodgers being unable to recognise a good player or develop one.
It’s tediously predictable, watching a Rodgers team, I hope he leaves.