Celtic have been phenomenal when it comes to their scouting and recruitment during the time of Ange Postecoglou as the manager of the club. They have brought in players like Kyogo, Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, Alistair Johnston and several others, who have gone on to become household names since joining the Hoops. Of course, they have not succeeded in signing all their targets.
One player that Celtic were linked with last season was Kaoru Mitoma. He would end up joining Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mitoma has been an absolute revelation in the Premier League. He has been a standout player in the English top flight and if Celtic had been able to sign him, it would have been another transfer masterstroke.
Mitoma has admitted that he was flattered by the interest and he did give Celtic some thought. But ultimately, the opportunity to play in the Premier League proved too good to turn down. As reported by the Daily Record, he said while speaking to Optus Sport:
"“I was flattered, but also I knew that the Premier League has the highest level of football in the world. This was why I accepted Brighton’s offer straight away. I did give some time to think about Celtic too, however, my desire to play in the strongest league in the world was very high, as well as my desire to play with and against the best players in the world.”"
£50 million player admits he considered joining Celtic
It would be safe to say that things have worked out quite well for Mitoma. He is now considered one of the biggest talents in the Premier League and rated at a transfer fee north of £50 million.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for him. But it does feel like he is destined to join one of the Big Six clubs in the Premier League in the not too distant future.
Someone like Mitoma would have been a great fit at Celtic and his style of play would have made him an instant favourite amongst the supporters. He has already proven that he can deal with the physical side of the game. It was not to be though and all we can do is wish him the best moving forward.