Ko Itakura

Gives us much needed options at the back and will help Furuhashi settle in quickly. Get it done Celtic.

 

I understand what you mean but I don’t think it’s strictly relevant mate.

The point isn’t about whether the player wants a transfer or a loan, it’s about whether a fee should be paid for a loan in these circumstances. To me it seems ridiculous and Celtic should bin the idea.

 

12 month loan makes little sense unless we think he's got a chance of being a flop. Especially one that comes with a "substantial" loan fee.

That's dead money a year down the line if he tears it up and has his pick of different clubs.

 

Just put a £3.5-4M offer down on him and see if anything rattles loose. If they shoot it down straight away he's probably extending with them, if they haggle he's probably making noises about seeing out his contract and walking/free transferring in January, if they accept it then he's definitely leaving and happy days all round... Just think anything lower is too little to be useful in the attempt

 

Add to that agents giving bad advice to their clients to go to these clubs, as they know they (the agents) are in for a big payday as well if their client joins, when they should be advising that getting regular first team football should be the priority. Money is the motivator.

The players are often still that young to not know any better but get their heads turned and have the belief that they are good enough - after all, they have to be if these big clubs come knocking, right? In fairness, a footballer's career is a relatively short one and often don't want to miss out on what they think may be their one big chance.

But as you've said there, few ever have a realistic shot at regular first team football at those clubs, and have to be loaned out anyhow.

 

I agree. Just pointing out one of the scenarios where they are looking for a loan fee for a player in the last year of his contract.
From our point of view if the player doesn't want a transfer to us then we should move on.

 

Would be asking to sign for 500k or so with a 25% sell on clause , means if we get millions for him then they get a good windfall as well as do we

 

I suppose the thinking is he comes here and * loves it. We then have a much better chance of picking him up on a free next season.

It could also end up he plays so well a load of clubs come in for him and he goes elsewhere. Or he turns out to be * *.

I'm not against it personally. Starfelt, Itakura, Jullien when fit and Welsh would at least give us 4 centre-halves that can play in our league. This is how loans should be utilised, fill out the squad to provide healthy competition and cover. Not nailed on first-team players that we need to replace every year

 

Completely agree.

 

One notable side effect of this signing would be that for the first time since I can remember, intelligent, rather than physically dominant CB-s will be the majority in the club.

 

Bring back Majstorovic, imo.

 

Agree. He’s in the last year of his deal as well, isn’t he? Just put the money up for a permanent, Celtic. Fs…

 

Agreed.

Not just for the back line though.

We're severely short on enforcers. Players to to dominate the opposition with strong tackles and physicality.

Every team needs at least one bull in it.

 

Yeah last year mate..

Anyone any idea what he's earning at City?

 

Barkas, Ralston and Taylor are all complete and utter bull to be fair…

 

Watched this boy playing in the Olympics tonight, came on in the second half (played the full 90 in the first 2 games) and played as a defensive midfielder, sitting in front of the CBs.
Looked very comfortable on the ball, sprayed passes around at ease, and was hard in the tackle.

Think he’d be perfect for what we need at CB, I really hope this one goes through!

 

Their keeper Tani is also okay, and should be cheap. Itakura has the intelligence to secure them fron dangerous counterattacks. Japan are actually Ange's ideal team. High press, quick players and technical ability.