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Who could be coming to Celtic in January 2022?

Discussion in 'News' started by TC News, Dec 17, 2021.

Discuss Who could be coming to Celtic in January 2022? in the News area at TalkCeltic.net.

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    Who could be coming to Celtic in January 2022?

    Having dominated domestic competitions for nine consecutive seasons, Steven Gerrard finally dethroned Rangers as they went unbeaten to lift the Scottish Premiership title last season. In an effort to regain their place as the top dogs in Scottish football, Celtic had a big shuffle in the pack during the summer. It began by recruiting Greek-Australian Ange Postecoglu to be the man entrusted with the task.


    It wasn’t all plain sailing though, as Celtic had to let go of their wantaway talisman striker Odsonne Édouard, who would make a move south of the border to join Crystal Palace. In total, 17 players left the squad for various reasons, both on loan and as permanent transfers, bringing in a total of £33.84m. The two players brought in to contribute to the goals they would lose in Édouard were left winger Kyogo Furuhashi from J-League side Vissel Kobe, and centre-forward Georgios Giakoumakis who signed from VVV-Venlo of the Eerste Divisie.


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    Source: https://e0.365dm.com/21/08/2048x1152/skysports-kyogo-furuhashi-celtic_5472202.jpg


    Fans weren’t too happy though, because despite raking in quite a bit with the transfers out, they only actually spent £20.05m, meaning the club bagged £13.79m profit. In fairness to the Club, they did bring in 26 new faces, but many of them also came to join the youth ranks as well, so they weren’t there to make an immediate impact. That extra cash in the kitty could well be put to use in January though, as Celtic look to strengthen their ranks further to keep up with, and possibly replace, league leaders Rangers, who sit four points clear at the top of the table.


    But which players could be on their way to Celtic Park? Let’s take a look…


    Celtic’s potential signings


    There are a number of names being linked with Celtic, and there always will be for a club of their stature. But the big rumours that are gaining momentum and seem to be coming from reliable sources suggest that Postecoglu could bring in a bunch of Furuhashi’s Japan teammates.


    Despite suggestions on fan forums that there could be a permanent move made for Celtic’s on loan winger Jota, and Jack Wilshere who is a free agent at the moment, they’re the only major potential January signings that have been mentioned in the media who don't come from Japan. The remaining three of the big four potential signings are Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.


    Of the three, it is believed that striker and the J-League’s top scorer Daizen Maeda will be joining on loan, with the green light for the deal already been given. He has netted 23 times and provided five assists in the J-League this year, also making four appearances in the J-League Cup, but failing to have had any impact there whatsoever.


    If he can adapt to the Scottish and European game, then he could well not just help them climb the league table, but he could also help Celtic progress in the Europa Conference League. After being knocked out, they’re 33/1 to win the new European competition, but having such a prolific scorer up top, and with rumours Tottenham Hotspur could be kicked out if their tie with Rennes is forfeited, their odds of winning could well increase.


    They could still face the likes of Leicester though who have former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers, but that’ll be a tie the fans will be looking forward to. So if you think they can go all the way, then you’d be foolish not to back them before their odds are slashed and you can take advantage of some of the best US Sportsbook bonuses out there at the moment to possibly enhance any potential winnings.


    [​IMG]

    Source: https://thecelticbhoys.com/2021/10/31/journalist-daizen-maeda-celtic-boost/


    The next Japanese star that could be on their way is defender Reo Hanate, who is believed to have already agreed to a deal. But as Postecoglu pointed out in an interview with the Glasgow Times, he states: “nothing is done yet. As I’ve always said, we live in unusual times when things aren’t straightforward. There are delays in areas.” Those areas potentially include things like Work Permits and COVID-19 restrictions that could force players to self isolate before their arrival, delaying any announcement of a signing.


    It again would depend on how he adapts to the Scottish Premiership, but Hatate would be an excellent addition. Should he join, he does so having won the J-League with Kawasaki Frontale, who won 28 games, drawing eight and only losing two. More impressively is how solid they were defensively with Hanate commanding their defensive ranks, only conceding 28 goals in 38 games in the league. And that quality is much needed in a Celtic team that have conceded due to so many mistakes this season.


    The final potential signing from Japan is Yosuke Ideguchi, a centre mid who plays for Gamba Osaka. He’d probably be the one fans could do without, because although he is great in his defensive qualities, he offers little going forward. He didn’t manage any goals or assists this season, where his team finished 13th in the J-League. He has a previous history of playing in the UK though, or at least moving here, as he spent a couple of years with Leeds, but failed to ever really make an appearance and eventually he moved back to the club where it all began for him. It could be potential quality in depth though, a player who could come on to help sure things up when defending a narrow lead.

    Your thoughts?

    So what are your thoughts? Would you like to see any of the players mentioned arrive or potentially extend their stay at Celtic Park? If not, which names would you like to see incoming, and who would you potentially get rid of? Let us know in the comments.
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2021