A report has emerged from Japan that claims Celtic have completed a stunning triple signing of Daizen Maeda, Ideguchi Yosuke and Reo Hatate.
Japanese media outlet Kyodo News says that the Hoops will sign the trio on the 4th January as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his squad for the title run in.
According to Kyodo, “CELTIC IN THE SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE HAVE STARTED TO ACQUIRE YOKOHAMA M FORWARD MAEDA DAINEN (24), G OSAKA MIDFIELDER IDEGUCHI YOSUKE (25) AND KAWASAKI MIDFIELDER HATATE REO (24) ON THE 4TH, ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS. YOKOHAMA M AND G OSAKA RESPECT THEIR WISHES AND ARE WILLING TO NEGOTIATE POSITIVELY.
“IT IS UNUSUAL FOR OVERSEAS CLUBS TO AIM TO ACQUIRE THREE JAPANESE PLAYERS AT ONCE.
“MAEDA, WHO WON THE TOP SCORER IN J1 THIS SEASON, WILL CHALLENGE EUROPE AGAIN WITH IDEGUCHI IF HE TRANSFERS.”
As yet, nothing has been released by the club to confirm the signings, but with the speculation surrounding Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda circulating for months now, it seems that the reports from Japan are confirming that these are done deals.
If true, this would be a stunning coup for Ange Postecoglou and will help to shore up the midfield and attacking options that have been shown to be wanting whenever injury strikes the team.
As Celtic prepare to face a difficult run of fixtures in December, these signings could prove pivotal in the destination of the league title and the £40m Champions League money that is at stake.