Yuki Kobayashi had a decent start to life at Celtic, but after a few slack performances coupled with a change of manager at the club and he’s suddenly become a player who’s future at Celtic looks very much in doubt.
Yuki is a natural left sided centre back, and he looks like a player with potential, but he badly lacks on the physical side of the game. And in our football that is a major flaw indeed. There is talk of a possible move away for Yuki, whether thats permanent or out on loan.
Yuki Kobayashi during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Morton at Celtic Park on January 21, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Is talk of a permanent move for the Japanese defender a bit premature? Maybe a loan deal would be more beneficial for both player and club? A loan move back home to Japan has been touted, but that wouldn’t be helpful to anyone who wants the player to be a success at Celtic.
A move to another Scottish club or even an English club would be more ideal. That would give Yuki a better opportunity to get familiar with our football, and play in a league away from Japan where he has already proven himself to be a decent defender.
A loan move to a top flight club in Scotland or maybe a Championship side in England could be a better solution than getting rid of a player who hasn’t had time to settle. Or maybe it’s even worth considering a move to work under Scott Brown at Fleetwood Town, a lower level but he’d certainly learn from the former Celtic captain what playing for Celtic is all about.
Celtic v St Mirren – Yuki Kobayashi left reacts during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Wednesday January 18, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan
There is clearly talent there and sending him out on loan to another Scottish or English side makes perfect sense at this stage. If Yuki Kobayashi remains at Celtic this season, it’s hard to imagine him getting much game-time, if any at all, and that isn’t going to help anyone.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
