Celtic negotiations on Japan tour; prior barrier dates, what to expect, what Ange Postecoglou has previously said

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Negotiations are underway behind the scenes on a Celtic tour to Japan in 2023, Japanese outlet Sponichi has reported this week.

Ever since Ange Postecoglou arrived at Celtic, along with Kyogo Furuhashi, there’s been chatter amongst supporters that the Bhoys might be tempted to return to the country, having previously visited for a match in 2006.

However, updates since have been few and far between, until today when Japan Times journalist Dan Orlowitz brought the Japanese language report to the attention of Scottish supporters.

Sponichi reports that Celtic marketing staff have already made trips to Japan to discuss the possibility of a couple of friendly matches in summer next year.

The most likely candidate for opponents, it’s said, is Yokohama F.Marinos – the former club of Postecoglou and Daizen Maeda.

Everything seems at a very preliminary stage, but it’s worth noting that this is something Postecoglou has already stated he wants the club to do.

At a post-match press conference attended by 67 Hail Hail back in March, the Bhoys boss was asked by fellow fan media outlet The Celtic Star whether a trip to Japan was possible this year.

Postecoglou said: “It would be great, but I don’t think we’ve got the time. Look, it’s something I’m pushing for as well because I know the interest in Japan will be phenomenal.

“That’s one place we’ve definitely got hordes of new supporters for sure, not because of me, but because of the likes of Kyogo, Reo, Daizen and Yosuke.

“It’s an opportunity for this football club to continue to grow and, you know, spread the love.”

In recent years, despite this intent, it may not have even been possible for Celtic to make the trip.

UEFA qualifiers have started in July on plenty of occasions, drastically reducing the window that the Bhoys could feasibly go had Scotland’s European access not improved.

However, even if the Bhoys finish Scottish Premiership runners-up this coming term, our qualifiers wouldn’t begin until August 2023, and if we win the title again, we’re right back into the group stages from September.

So there is an opportunity for Celtic to pencil in the dates for early to mid-July well in advance, regardless of the Premiership outcome, perhaps even in replacement of a training camp in Austria as we witnessed this year.

This story is likely to be a slow burner with nothing confirmed for months, if at all, but it’s an exciting venture, and hopefully, the club can deliver on the manager’s vision.

In other news, Celtic step up their media game.