Celtic have been linked with another J-League star as they prepare to step up their January recruitment with Japan international midfielder Tomoki Iwata reportedly on the radar of the Scottish Premiership champions.
The versatile 25-year-old, who has mainly played in defence but can operate in midfield, is currently with Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou’s former club Yokohama F. Marinos and the Scottish Daily Mail say that the Parkhead side have placed him “on a list of potential January signings”.
Iwata has been capped four times and made his debut three years ago when Japan were invited to take part in the Copa America. He was also voted the J-League's Player of the Year last month, becoming only the fourth defender to win the accolade. Postecoglou has had success in raiding the league he left to join Celtic with Kyogo, Reo Hatate and World Cup star Daizen Maeda all huge hits. He has also signed Yuki Kobayashi during this window although Iwata could replace one signing who has failed to hit the heights with Yosuke Ideguchi reportedly heading for the exit.
Early in his Celtic managerial career, Postecoglou made no secret of his admiration for talent in the Far East. He said: “It’s a market I know well and there’s a lot of talent there people still haven’t realised.” The Hoops have also been linked with South Korea striker Cho Gue-sung who is currently with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and was a star for his country at Qatar 2022.
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