Celtic’s biggest strength since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager has been their incredible eye for picking out and signing talent. Over the span of just 18 months, the club have brought in players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, Reo Hatate, Josip Juranovic, Matt O’Riley, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liel Abada and several others.
These players are not only making a big impact on the team now but could make big money transfer exits in the future as well. And the fact of the matter is that that is the system using which Celtic can remain competitive in Europe, because Scottish clubs simply cannot compete financially with those from the more glamourous leagues.
Celtic have continued to add to their ranks, and the latest player to be linked with a move to Parkhead is Tomoki Iwata. And signing the Japanese international could prove to be another transfer masterstroke.
Iwata won the league with Yokohama F. Marinos last season and was named the J League MVP for his efforts. Thus, it is clear that Celtic would be getting a player in top form, if they are able to sign him.
Celtic ready to pull off another transfer masterstroke by signing Iwata
All signs seem to be pointing towards Iwata being Celtic’s next signing, and he is rumoured to be arriving on a loan deal with an option to buy included in it.
There seems to be a bit of confusion about which position he will play in, as Iwata is incredibly versatile. And while he has the ability to play as a centre-back as well as a full-back, it does feel like Postecoglou could decide to field him as a defensive midfielder, if Celtic can get a deal over the line.
That is a position where the Hoops need reinforcements, especially with Oliver Abildgaard not making the impact that was expected of him when he arrived on a season-long loan from Rubin Kazan in the summer amidst a lot of excitement.
Of course, some might question a move for Iwata considering how the move for Yosuke Ideguchi has turned out. But it is safe to say that the Yokohama F. Marinos star is a completely different player and is a man in top form at the moment, which was not the case with the former Gamba Osaka midfielder when he arrived.
On top of everything else, the fact that Postecoglou has already managed Iwata from their time together at Yokohama F. Marinos is a major bonus as well.