Celtic confirmed the signing of Tomoki Iwata on Friday morning and the midfielder has posted a heartfelt message to Yokohama F. Marinos fans on Instagram – to which Daizen Maeda has responded to, with a four-word comment.
The Scottish Champions announced the arrival of the 24-year-old, after a superb term in the J-League. He helped Ange Postecoglou’s old side win the 2022 title – playing 40 times in all competitions at the base of their midfield.
His form was fundamental to Marinos winning the League, and he won the Player of the Season award for it. Now, after two years at the club, he’s joined Celtic. The club confirmed it will initially be on loan, before a permanent deal.
He joins a growing number of Japanese players at Parkhead – along with Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi, Kyogo and fellow new signing Yuki Kobayashi. Iwata took to Instagram to thank Yokohama F. Marinos and their fans for his two years.
Maeda responds on Instagram as Celtic confirm signing of Iwata
Iwata joins a Celtic side already boasting a number of midfielders. Callum McGregor, Aaron Mooy, Matt O’Riley, James McCarthy, Yosuke Ideguchi, Reo Hatate, David Turnbull and more are current options for Ange Postecoglou.
So, Iwata has got his work cut out to break into the starting XI. Certainly, he will not be starting for Celtic come Monday against Rangers. But he has a chance of becoming a regular part of Postecoglou’s plans moving forward.
Maeda played alongside his fellow Japan international Iwata during his time at Marinos, before moving to Celtic. Clearly, the two have a bond and that will help Iwata settle in Glasgow. Along with the Celtic’s other Japan stars.
He posted a four-word message on his Instagram message, telling Iwata: “I’m waiting for you”. He is Celtic’s third-signing ahead of January – a deal that Chris Sutton has described as a “smart piece of business”.
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