OH Leuven moved quickly when Shin Yamada became available at Celtic, but their interest in the striker stretches back much further than his brief time at Parkhead.
Yamada has joined Leuven on a season-long loan as the Japanese striker continued to find life at Celtic difficult.
Leuven sporting director Gyorgy Csepregi has now explained why the Belgian club acted immediately when Celtic made the striker available.
- READ MORE: What Celtic fans thought of Shin Yamada
🆕 A new loan for Shin.
Instead of selling, Celtic opt to keep him on the books…
Leuven chief reveals Shin Yamada interest before Celtic move
Yamada may have failed to impress at Celtic, but Csepregi reveals that Leuven have been huge admirers of the Japanese striker long before he made his move to Glasgow.
Csepregi told OH Leuven’s official website, “Shin Yamada is a Japanese international who just missed out on the World Cup squad.
“We have been following him since he played alongside Ominami at Kawasaki, but back then he was unattainable.
“He didn’t get many playing opportunities at Celtic FC, so now there was a chance to sign him and we didn’t hesitate.
“Yamada is a player with good running ability, he positions himself well and scores goals easily. He has exactly the profile we were looking for.”
Even though Yamada struggled at Celtic, that has clearly not put off Leuven who see the forward as a major signing coup this summer.
Why Leuven believe Yamada can thrive after Celtic
Leuven clearly believe that Yamada will strengthen their forward line as they aim to extend their stay in Belgium’s top flight for a seventh consecutive season.
Leuven finished 12th last season before placing sixth in the European play-offs, missing out on the Conference League play-off final on goal difference.
Leuven clearly feel that they are not taking a blind gamble on a Celtic fringe player. They are signing someone their recruitment department had wanted since his Kawasaki Frontale days.
Leuven have waited years for the chance to sign Yamada. Celtic’s failure to find a regular place for him finally gave them it.
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