Premier League star Kaoru Mitoma has admitted that he was considering joining Celtic before he made the switch to Brighton back in 2021.
There is already a strong Japanese contingent at Celtic and it’s fair to say that these players have thrived in Glasgow so far.
Kyogo Furuhashi has established himself as the most lethal goalscorer in Scotland this season, while the likes of Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have also excelled under Ange Postecoglou.
But it seems that another Japanese star in Kaoru Mitoma could have ended up at Celtic Park if it wasn’t for interest from England.
The 25-year-old is enjoying an exceptional campaign for Brighton where he has registered 17 goal involvements in 31 appearances.
He joined the Seagulls from Kawasaki Frontale back in 2021 and has really kicked on after a loan spell in Belgium. But he has admitted to Optus Sport that he was ‘flattered’ by interest from Celtic a couple of years ago.
Mitoma considered Celtic move
“I was flattered, but also I knew that the Premier League has the highest level of football in the world,” the Japanese star said.
“This was why I accepted Brighton’s offer straight away. I did give some time to think about Celtic too, however, my desire to play in the strongest league in the world was very high, as well as my desire to play with and against the best players in the world.”
As brilliant as it would have been to see Mitoma playing in green and white, it’s hard to be too disappointed about his decision.
Celtic have fantastic options out wide, including the likes of Maeda and Jota.
Postecoglou’s men are getting on just fine without the addition of Mitoma as they continue to push towards another domestic treble for the club.
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