The bargain Celtic fees for Maeda, Hatate and Ideguchi detailed

By John McGinley

January 1, 2022

Celtic will pay just £1.6m for Daizen Maeda in the summer after his initial loan spell, The Scottish Daily Mail has reported today [01/01 print edition, back page].

Maeda’s six-month loan has a compulsory purchase clause attached, meaning that he’ll definitely put pen to paper on a long-term contract once the season ends.

Meanwhile, today’s Scottish Daily Mail [01/01 print edition, page 110] also reports that Yosuke Ideguchi has made the switch to Celtic from Gamba Osaka for just £800,000 – which is an absolute bargain in modern football, even for the Bhoys.

Reports from Japan last month [Dan Orlowitz] also indicated that Celtic would sign Reo Hatate for around £1.25m. Although there has been a lack of post-deal reporting on that exact figure.

However, it all means the Bhoys have likely signed the three talents combined for under £4m, which is sensational business however you look at it.

It may even be less than the single fee paid for Kyogo Furuhashi mid-Japanese season in the summer.

It seems there was a very good reason why Ange Postecoglou and Celtic waited to strike on their J-League raid. Postecoglou knew the market would be far more favourable for the Bhoys this month than six months ago, with players taking stock of their careers and looking to make the next steps into Europe if possible.

Of course, it remains to be seen how well the players will settle and adjust to Scottish football. But if they go on to become first-team regulars and perform for Celtic consistently domestically and in Europe, then these will go down as some of the best in modern Bhoys history.

In other news, Broadcast treat for Celtic supporters tomorrow as “in-depth” Ange Postecoglou interview set to air