Celtic will be busy this summer transfer window, as there seem to be quite a few holes in the squad. One position that they have struggled to fill for quite a few years is defensive midfield. They have made additions there but nobody has been able to get consistent playing time in the role, as Callum McGregor has had to play as the deepest lying midfielder despite of his quality in the final third of the pitch.
It looks like Celtic are looking to sign a defensive midfielder once again this summer. One is needed in Europe and domestic games against the Rangers. They have been linked with Kalidou Sidibe of Guingamp, Wataru Endo of Liverpool, Elvis Rexhbecaj of FC Augsburg and others.
Celtic might have had the answer right under their noses all along but allowed him to leave. Tomoki Iwata left the club last summer to join Birmingham City.
Iwata has put together an excellent season as Birmingham City have clinched the League One title and promotion to the Championship. The Japanese midfielder is getting his due credit as well.
Celtic mistake clear after English club's announcement
As Birmingham City reported on their official website, Chris Davies and Tomoki Iwata have been shortlisted at the 2025 EFL Awards. The coach is up for the League One Manager of the Season award, while the midfielder is up for the division's Player of the Season gong.
Of course, Celtic have a history with Chris Davies as well. He was a coach at the club during Brendan Rodgers' first spell at the club and left alongside him to join Leicester City. He also had a spell with Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.
Coming back to Iwata, he has shown that he can thrive as a starter. And Celtic might very well be regretting their decision to part ways with him last summer.