Every summer quite a few players end up leaving Celtic, whether it is to take the next step in their career or in search of playing time after failing to establish themselves at Parkhead. That was the case last time around as well. And one player, who departed for a bargain transfer fee, has ended up playing a starring role down in England as his team have won their league.
Ange Postecoglou was fantastic when it came to his eye for talent. He brought a number of brilliant players to the club during his two years as Celtic manager.
One of his last signings as Celtic manager was Tomoki Iwata. The versatile Japanese international could play as a defender as well as a defensive midfielder. He was the reigning J-League MVP when he made the move to Glasgow from Yokohama F. Marinos.
Postecoglou would leave in the summer of 2023 though and was replaced by Brendan Rodgers. Iwata struggled to get into the team in the first half of the season but managed to win the manager's trust and featured in all of their last twelve Premiership games.
Celtic mistake as player who left for just £850,000 wins League One
As a result, Iwata's exit in the summer came as a major surprise to many. He ended up joining Birmingham City in English League One.
Iwata has played a starring role for Birmingham City this season though as they have won the League One title with six games to spare. He has scored seven goals for the club so far. It would not come as a surprise if he wins the Player of the Season award.
So, it is starting to feel like a mistake, parting ways with someone like Iwata in the summer. Celtic are believed to be in search of a defensive midfielder and have been linked with quite a few in recent weeks. But it looks like the answer to their solution might have been right under their noses and they said goodbye to him for a £850,000 transfer fee.