The timing of Yuki Kobayaski’s transfer to Celtic caught most fans by surprise with an announcement almost six weeks before the transfer window opens.
Vissel Kobe had the defender under contract until the end of January with a token fee likely for his early release.
Celtic can’t register the signing until January 1 but it is unlikely that the SFA will be open for business that weekend and there appears to be no pressing need to rush the deal through.
After their Australian trip the Celtic squad is enjoying the rarity of some time off but according to the Daily Record Kobayashi will start working with his new team-mates next week.
Kobayashi will also be available to the manager on January 1 with a scheduled month of training among the group under his belt as he’s set to link up with them as soon as December 1.
Celtic will fly out to Portugal to get some warm weather training in before a frosty return to competitive action at Aberdeen on December 17.
Kobayashi will have four matches to watch as he adapts to Scottish football before he faces something very different at Ibrox on January 2.
Kilmarnock visit Celtic Park on January 7 which seems the likely date for Ange Postecoglou’s fifth J-League signing to make his Celtic debut.