And there’s more- report names two positions Celtic could strengthen on top of J-League deals

With three signings apparently ready to be rolled out next week there looks to be a very different feel to this year’s January transfer window. 

As well as arriving early Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi don’t fall into the ‘project category’ that Celtic have sometimes seemed obsessed by. 

All three look like going straight into the first team mix while Osaze Urhoghide, Liam Shaw, Lee O’Connor, Luca Connell and Jonathan Afolabi drift further and further into the fringes of the squad. 

From a year ago it was obvious that Celtic were facing a major overhaul with the squad at the start of February 2022 likely to be unrecognisable from 12 months earlier when Jonjo Kenny was the sole arrival, on loan. 

Chris Jullien’s expected return provides more options and cover in defence but according to the Daily Record incoming business won’t end with the three players joining up from the J-League: 

Deals have also been agreed with Gamba Osaka for midfielder Ideguchi and left-side player Hatate from Kawasaki Frontale. The Celtic boss wanted the majority of his business done at the start of the window but is still looking at other targets. 

A move for another wide player and another possible defender haven’t been ruled out. Celtic could also free up funds by moving some fringe and out of favour players on. 

The club are open to deals for goalkeeper Vassilis Barkas, who played in the last game against St Johnstone after a Covid outbreak, Boli Bolingoli and Albian Ajeti, who is still recovering from injury.  Ismaila Soro could also come into that equation after falling down the pecking order. 

By the time Ange Postecoglou prepares his team to face Hibs on January 17 it is likely to be much changed from the group that was mustered to beat St Johnstone in the last match of 2021.