Reported Celtic targets Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate squared off in the J League today, as the league came to its conclusion.
In a 1-1 draw between Kawasaki Frontale and Yokohama F Marinos, Hatate, reportedly making an imminent switch to Celtic [Daily Record], played on the left of a midfield three, and had a decent outing. According to Fotmob, he made 4 interceptions and recovered the ball 8 times for Kawasaki Frontale. Unfortunately, he hit two shots, neither of them on target.
Maeda had a bit more luck. It was his goal that brought the sides level in the 74th minute. You can see his tidy, close-range finish here [via J League]:
Daizen Maeda, who finished second in the J League top scorer rankings [ESPN], has most recently been linked with a move to Celtic worth £3m. That seems like excellent value for a player who can bring searing pace and a range of finishes to an attack that needs reinforcement.
Hatate, too, would provide at least cover in a few different areas. He’s often played at left-back this season, but his talents seem more suited to a role in the midfield. That’s especially where Ange Postecoglou needs better squad options.
Dipping into the Japanese market seems like the move for the ex-Yokohama F Marinos boss. Given the quality that’s there, it’s not hard to see why.
Celtic targets Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda both with good displays before potential move to Glasgow
There’s been enough hype and speculation at this stage that it would be more surprising if Celtic didn’t move for both Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
Given Postecoglou’s expert knowledge of the league, and how both players have got on this season, interest is absolutely natural.
Other European clubs will surely be watching. Especially with the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu impressing at Arsenal [Evening Standard] and of course, Kyogo Furuhashi at Celtic.
It’s not as if the J League is some secret, untapped market. European clubs venture to Japan for players all the time. Celtic, though, have a former Japanese league winner calling the shots now.
There’s a certain poetry in Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate squaring off in their last J League game of the season. Could they be teaming up in the Green and White before long?
We certainly hope so.
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