Two assists and a goal: Celtic’s reported summer target was on fire last night

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Celtic suffered a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in their first Europa League game of the season. Neil Lennon’s side managed just two shots on target in the entire game, and their backs are up against the wall already in a really difficult group.

The Bhoys were linked with lots of players in the summer transfer window. Celtic signed five new players, but they did miss out on a top class talent who could have helped them beat Milan last night.

AS claimed in the summer that Celtic were interested in signing Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo on loan. The Japanese attacker is a really exciting talent and he would have been a solid signing for the Hoops.

Sadly, a deal didn’t materialise. Kubo joined Villarreal on loan from the Bernabeu. The teenager has found himself on the bench more often than not in Unai Emery’s side, but he made his Europa League debut last night, and he was incredible.

The Yellow Submarine scored five past Turkish side Sivasspor thanks to a brace from Paco Alcacer and goals from Juan Foyth, Carlos Bacca and Kubo himself.

Kubo was on fire for Villarreal last night

Along with his goal, the Japanese teenager picked up two assists as well. He had 63 touches of the ball, attempted nine crosses and created four chances. Kubo also recovered the ball three times, won three fouls and had a couple of shots at goal, scoring from one of them (Squawka).

Three goal involvements in his first ever Europa League game is an incredible achievement. The Real Madrid man already has a £229 million release clause in his contract (AS) and, if he continues performing as he did last night, that number will only increase.

Things could well have been very different. Kubo could have done the same for Celtic against Milan last night had the Hoops secured a deal for him.

The Real Madrid man is destined to be a star but, sadly, his journey won’t involve a season or two under Neil Lennon; unless he takes over from Zinedine Zidane next summer.