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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Forgotten Celtic defender Kobayashi 'completes transfer exit to Portugal'

Forgotten Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi has reportedly completed a transfer exit.

The Japanese centre-back, 24, is thought to have agreed a four-year deal with Portimonense.

O Jogo reports Kobayashi is one of a trio of signings for the Portuguese club alongside Nuno Campos and Chico Banza.

It's claimed Kobayashi is in Portugal to finalise the deal as he leaves Celtic just one year after arriving at the club on a long-term deal.

The former Japan under-20 internationalist had signed a five-year deal at Celtic last summer but struggled to break into the team making just seven total appearances.

Kobayashi was involved in pre-season with the Celtic first-team under Brendan Rodgers but it appears he has now put his spell in Scotland in his past.


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Kobayashi had been linked with a loan exit from Celtic in January to the MLS but nothing materialised. FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake had been credited with interest.

The Celtic player then was linked with a possible loan move to St Mirren this summer after Kwon's successful stint in Paisley.

But Stephen Robinson wouldn't be drawn on the speculation over another Celtic player heading to St Mirren on loan.

He had said: "I've been linked with every player in Scotland so I don't pay any attention to that.

"We're well aware that Kobayashi is a very good footballer.

"For me to talk about another club's player, apart from in a good light, I wouldn't do that; it's not the way I work."

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