Ange Postecoglou hopes Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate can join their new teammates as early as next week, with Celtic set to finalise transfers for the J1-League trio.
That’s according to the Daily Record, who report Maeda and Ideguchi are already in the UK ahead of their moves. Hatate is also set to travel over from Japan during the coming days.
Celtic are progressing well in their bid to complete deals for Maeda, Ideguchi and Hatate in the winter break. They now hope they receive their work permits before the window opens on Saturday in order to register their signings.
Postecoglou wanted all three to arrive at Parkhead in time to face Rangers before the SFA moved the winter break. Now, the Bhoys boss hopes Celtic can conclude their deals in time to join their new teammates for training once the squad returns to Lennoxtown next week.
Celtic have already agreed personal terms with Hatate, Ideguchi and Maeda and fees with their separate clubs. Postecoglou could also yet make further signings once the sales start.
Postecoglou eyes beyond Maeda, Ideguchi and Hatate’s Celtic transfers
Celtic will sign Maeda on loan for the rest of the term and pay Yokohama F Marinos £1.7m for his permanent transfer next summer. Terms are also in place for Ideguchi with Gamba Osaka and with Kawasaki Frontale for Hatate.
Postecoglou wanted to conclude the bulk of his business early to hit the ground running in January. But he is now looking for another wide option and has not ruled out a defender.
Maeda, Ideguchi and Hatate’s imminent transfers could let them make their Celtic debuts at home to Hibernian on January 17. Failing that, they may have to wait until January 29 for their Parkhead bow after trips to Alloa and Hearts.
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