After the report broke from Yahoo Japan about the deal to take Daizen Maeda to Celtic was in the final stages, it has been reported from several reputable media outlets in Japan that the Hoops will be making two more acquisitions from the J-League.
Kyodo News are now reporting that two of Maeda’s compatriots, Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate will be joining the attacker at Paradise come January. Ideguchi, 25, plays for Gamba Osaka and will presumably be another midfielder to help Callum McGregor and Nir Bitton at the base of the Celtic midfield. Hatate, 24, is a utility player who can play a variety of positions that could be crucial to Ange Postecoglou and the demand that is placed upon his players.
With three additions from Japan, it is a league Celtic definitely look to be making significant strides in. A market Ange knows well and if there is value for money to be had it could prove to be a pivotal source of talent in a post-Brexit world. Ange rates the J-League very highly and it will be intriguing to see how these signings pan out.
If they turn out anything like Kyogo Furuhashi, we’re sure to be in for a treat come the opening of the January transfer window.
Paul Gillespie
