Tomoki Iwata’s move from Yokohama F Marinos to Celtic has been made official after an announcement by the Japanese club. No fee or contract details have been released.
Iwata spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic where he helped the club win their world-record eighth domestic treble.
Although used sparingly, Iwata showed the quality that convinced Ange Postecoglou to bring him to the club and now, the move has been made permanent.
The Japanese midfielder is clearly delighted at the move and has immediately set the target of retaining the title ahead of the new season.
Iwata said [Yokohama F Marinos], “I have decided to move to Celtic FC on a full transfer. I can only thank Oita Trinita and Yokohama F Marinos for making my dream come true.
“Winning the championship last season is a sight I will never forget in my football life. I am happy to have moved to F. Marinos, and I will do my best to make the move to Celtic FC as good as it was for me. I am happy to have moved to F. Marinos.
“Thank you very much!
“Let’s do it, back-to-back championships!
“See you again soon on 19 July!” [translated by Deep L]
Although photographed in training at Lennoxtown last week, Iwata’s loan deal was based on an obligation to buy by Celtic and now that the deal has been made official, Iwata will now be a part of the new Brendan Rodgers era.
If the Japanese midfielder can show the sort of flashes of quality we witnessed from him last season, the Celtic fans will be in for a treat.
In other news, The latest on Kieran Tierney and Celtic reunion; wage concession, Rodgers’ stance
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