Celtic want Yuki Kobayashi and that would mean a rather exciting reunion with his former Vissel Kobe teammate Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Bhoys look set to dip into the Japanese market once again.
Ange Postecoglou’s knowledge of Japanese football has been outstanding since he left Yokohama F. Marinos for Celtic in 2021.
Kyogo was a dream first addition before Reo Hatate followed in January of this year, with Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi also arriving.
Celtic want Yuki Kobayashi
It now looks like Celtic are set to bring in a fifth Japanese signing of the Postecoglou era.
The Daily Mail claimed last week that Celtic had opened talks with Vissel Kobe over a deal to sign defender Yuki Kobayashi.
Nikkan Sports in Japan now suggest that Kobayashi will be signing for Celtic on a free transfer with his Vissel Kobe contract coming to an end.
Kobe-based newspaper Kobe Shimbun even claim that one Vissel Kobe executive believes it’s ‘hard’ to keep Kobayashi with Celtic keen.
Postecoglou seemingly wants a left-sided centre back and Kobayashi appears to be the top target to fill that role at Parkhead.
If Kobayashi does join Celtic, that will mean a reunion with his former Vissel Kobe teammate Kyogo Furuhashi.
Having even half of Kyogo’s success would be great for Kobayashi and having a familiar face should help the defender settle.
Transfermarkt note that Kyogo and Kobayashi played together 12 times for Vissel Kobe – and never lost a single game.
Eight wins and four draws with 24 goals an 11 concede, Vissel Kobe had a great record with both Kyogo and Kobayashi in the team.
That’s an average of 2.33 points per game when playing together and whilst they play in different areas of the pitch, Celtic will hope that their qualities can bring similar results to Scotland.
Either that or the pair are just a good luck charm together; either way, Kobayashi and Kyogo joining forces again looks to be pretty promising for Celtic.
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