According to a report in Japan, Celtic are once again looking to get their winter transfer deals done as early as possible. The news comes from Sponichi publication, which claim a fee has been agreed upon between Kyogo Furuhashi’s old club, Vissel Kobe and the Hoops for centre-back, Yuki Kobayashi.
The 22-year-old will fly to Glasgow on the opening of the January transfer window to sign on the dotted line, pending a medical apparently. A left-footed defender, it states that he has been coveted since his days as a youngster in the Kobe academy.
Recognised for his precise left foot and excellent build-up play, his joining the club could spell the end for one of the centre-backs already in situ. It remains to be seen if Moritz Jenz will have the option-to-buy clause taken up on by Ange Postecoglou and Stephen Welsh would be the likely other candidate if the veracity of this story is genuine.
If so, that would mean that Celtic would have five Japanese players on the books, which would be quite remarkable. We are already trailblazing with our recruitment within the Asian market having scooped, Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi, and Reo Hatate. With another young, fresh, and exciting talent linked, could Celtic be the club that provides a direct link into European football for players from the J-League?
Paul Gillespie
Yuki Kobayashi to Celtic? A deal has reportedly been agreed for the Vissel Kobe defender to join the Scottish champs.
A product of Vissel Kobe’s youth system.
The last time a player joined from Kobe, it worked out well 😉
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) October 30, 2022
🇯🇵 | Yuki Kobayashi
Celtic are set to sign Yuki Kobayashi from Vissel Kobe after an agreement was reached between the clubs.
The 22 year old left footed centre-back should arrive in January following the completion of a medical & signing of contract.
[Sponichi Japan] pic.twitter.com/nutYvddq1G
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) October 30, 2022
Yuki Kobayashi (défenseur central, Vissel Kobe) va être transféré au Celtic, un accord aurait été conclu entre les deux clubs. Le transfert se fera en janvier prochain. https://t.co/Ons7HIZ9Q5
— 🇯🇵 J.League France 🇫🇷 (@JLeagueFra) October 30, 2022
Is Ideguchi surplus to requirements?
What is his role?