Multiple sources report Celtic have completed deal for Japanese defender

Celtic are reported to be close to signing Yuki Kobayashi from Kobe.

Ange Postecoglou’s first major transfer move was to sign Kyogo Furuhashi from Vissel Kobe in July 2021 with the success of the striker paving the way for three more J-league signings in January.

With the success and profile of Postecoglou, Kyogo, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, moving to Celtic is a more appealing option than two years ago when there were no links with the Scottish champions.

Japanese site Sponichi reports:

Kobe’s former U-21 Japan national team DF Yuki Kobayashi (22) will transfer to Celtic in the Scottish Premier League in January next year.

According to multiple sources, a formal offer has already arrived and an agreement has been reached between the clubs. Kobayashi himself seems to have decided to take on his first overseas challenge, and plans to sign a formal contract after undergoing a medical check on site.

Kobayashi stands at 1.85 meters tall and is a left-handed centre-back. He has been attracting attention since he was in Kobe’s academy, and in May 2016, at the age of 15 years and 9 months, he was registered for two top teams.

He has continued to grow steadily since then, and made his top debut in April 2018 at the age of 17 years and 8 months. In 2019, he skipped a grade and was selected as the U-21 Japan representative of the Tokyo Olympics generation.

Known for his precise left foot and build-up ability, his Celtic team also said he appreciates Kobayashi’s ability and potential.

Last year Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi were announced as Celtic players on December 31 with Hatate and Maeda going straight in to make their debuts when the season resumed at home to Hibs on January 17.

That type of forward planning was something of a novelty for Celtic fans with Postecoglou working to bring players in for the start of the transfer window rather than waiting to see what might be available at the end of January.

If the deal for Kobayashi is virtually completed he could sign on January 1 but a debut the following day at Ibrox would be highly unlikely.

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