The agent factor which could help smooth through Celtic’s first January transfer

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The January transfer window might still be a few months away. However, Celtic’s business appears to already be underway.

Reports from Japan on Sunday evening have suggested that Vissel Kobe central defender Yuki Kobayashi is a target for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

And the 22-year-old could become the Hoops first signing in 2023, with the Celtic boss eyeing up another quick start to the January window.

The club’s recruitment team have been watching a number of targets in recent months, with Postecoglou looking to continue bolstering his squad.

Of course, the transfer market can be an extremely difficult place to work in, particularly during the January window and supporters were given a small glimpse into that last year.

We all remember the Bhoys’ public move for Australian midfielder Riley McGree, which ended up with the midfielder heading to English Championship side Middlesbrough instead.

However, that move has turned out well for Celtic, with Postecoglou shifting his focus to Matt O’Riley, and the rest is history. But the point still stands. The January transfer window can be a challenging market to navigate.

Bringing a player from the J-League has become well-known during the 57-year-old’s reign at Parkhead, with Postecoglou bringing four players to Glasgow thanks to his knowledge and contacts from his time spent in Japan.

And the former Socceroos boss could be about to use those familiar contacts once again, which may help the move go through a lot smoother than previous January dealings.

Kobayashi transfer links could help Celtic smooth through first January deal.

As pointed out by reliable journalist Dan Orlowitz, Kobayashi shares an agent with current Celtic midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi, who also joined last winter.

The pair are represented by the agency group UDN Sports, who hosts a number of well-known Japanese players, and will already hold a working relationship with the recruitment chiefs at Parkhead due to Ideguchi’s move.

Not only does the club have links to Kobayashi’s agent, but also his current club, Vissel Kobe, where the Hoops signed striker Kyogo Furuhashi from in Postecoglou’s first window.

So, relevant club officials already have all the necessary contacts to get a deal over the line as soon as possible, with talks underway.

During previous windows, the Celtic manager has stressed how important it is to have new signings through the door near the beginning of the window.

So, it would be good to see the club push another move through at the start of January in order to have the defender as part of Ange Postecoglou’s squad right away.

We will have to wait and see what the next moves are in this deal as both parties continue to discuss the transfer, which would see Postecoglou fill a ‘priority’ position this coming window.

Fingers crossed, there is more to come soon. But it is great to see our business has already kick-started as we look to continue improving our squad’s strength and depth.

In other news, Kris Commons labels impressive Celtic star as the most improved player in Scotland.