Kanji Okunuki has only been at current club Nurnberg for a few months but Celtic are showing intense interest his services ahead of the January transfer window.
Sky Sports Germany have reported that Celtic have scouted him “intensively” in recent weeks as they put in place plans for upcoming transfers. While no concrete offer has yet been made to the German second-tier side, the interest is clear.
Just 18 months ago, Okunuki was playing in the Japanese second division, but a year on loan in Poland and now an impressive start in Germany could see him make the jump to the Bhoys.
Okunuki is 24 and looks able to slot right into first-team contention under Brendan Rodgers, scoring four and assisting twice in 15 appearances in Germany so far this term.
The Japanese attacker has played primarily on the left wing for Nurnberg but can also be deployed as a central attacking force in support of a forward.
Strengths and weaknesses of Celtic target Kanji Okunuki
Okunuki’s playing data shows he is a hard-working flank option who has a serious eye for goal. [FotMob]
Amongst players in his position, he ranks in the 85th percentile when it comes to shots in Bundesliga.2 this season, also scoring highly when it comes to successful dribbles and touches in the opposition box.
He’s strong on the other side of the ball too, with a penchant for winning tackles, duels and blocking the ball. His pressing skills are strong which would see him fit in well at Celtic. He completes more defensive actions than 92% of his positional peers from similar leagues.
Chance creation isn’t his strong suit, he looks to be a player more in the Daizen Maeda mould than Luis Palma, but that may be exactly what the Bhoys are looking for in support of Rodgers’ existing attack.
It’s a name worth keeping an eye on over the coming weeks and months.
In other news, Celtic forward Hyeongyu Oh makes positive noises in South Korean media.
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