Ange Postecoglou has added yet another new signing to his Celtic squad before the transfer window has even opened, landing Japanese player of the year Tomoki Iwata.
Iwata has joined on an initial six-month loan with a compulsory purchase clause that means he’s at Celtic for the ‘long-term’ – identical to the move for Daizen Maeda this time last year.
After the announcement by the club today, Postecoglou explained why bringing Iwata to Glasgow was such an attractive proposition.
He told the club’s official website: “We really are delighted to be bringing Tomoki to Celtic and I am sure he will be a player that our supporters will like.
“He is a versatile player who can operate in defence and in midfield, a really committed footballer with some great attributes. He is at a great age for us where his career is on the right trajectory, but he already has a good level of experience.
“He has just had a brilliant season, he is very deserving of the accolade he has recently received as Japan’s Player of the Year and we are sure he can also bring this real high level of quality to our squad.”
Iwata appears ready for his big move to Europe after being voted the best player in the J-League and arrives to a manager well aware of his qualities, having signed him for Marinos in the first place.
At 25, he’s hitting his prime years, and Celtic can really benefit from his consistent development over in Japan.
It sounds like the midfielder will be immediately competing for places alongside Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Aaron Mooy – as well as providing a bit of versatility for other areas should injuries strike.
Having reportedly paid less than £1m for his services, there’s little downside to this move with a lot of opportunity for the transfer to be yet another bargain since Postecoglou’s arrival.
In other news, Classy Ange Postecoglou makes dressing room visit to Celtic youths after thrashing Rangers.
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