There have been suggestions in the Scottish media recently that Celtic are looking to sign another player from the J-League. Of course, the Hoops have enjoyed quite a bit of success in recent years when it comes to bringing in players from the Japanese top flight. Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate will go down as club heroes in the history books.
This summer, Celtic have appeared keen to repeat the trick. They have brought in a couple of players from the J-League already.
Hayato Inamura was signed from Albirex Niigata and exceeded expectations during pre-season. On the other hand, Shin Yamada was brought in from Kawasaki Frontale, and it remains to be seen if he can impress in a Celtic jersey.
Who could be the third J-League player Celtic are looking to sign? The identity of the player was not revealed in the report that made the suggestion. As a result, the fans have been left guessing.
Is Vissel Kobe star the mystery J-League player Celtic want?
Naturally, Celtic fans have been trying to figure out who this J-League player could be. And while there is nothing concrete on that matter, many supporters seem to have been impressed with what they have seen of Vissel Kobe's Taisei Miyashiro.
A full Japanese international, Miyashiro came through the youth ranks at Kawasaki Frontale. He would then make the move to Vissel Kobe, where he currently plays. The 25-year-old has won the J-League and Emperor's Cup with both clubs.
Of course, Celtic have happy memories of signing players from Vissel Kobe. That is the club Kyogo used to play for before joining the Hoops.
That is not where the comparisons with Kyogo end though. Miyashiro is also someone who plays in a variety of positions. He can play as a centre-forward but has mostly played in midfield or as a number 10 for Vissel Kobe recently. He is also capable of playing on the left flank.
Celtic fans with a keen memory will remember that there had been some questions about the position Kyogo would play when he was signed from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021. Of course, it did not take him long to establish himself as the main number 9 for Ange Postecoglou's side.
Coming back to Miyashiro, Gerard Postma did a great thread on the Vissel Kobe ace recently, pointing out the strengths of his game. Not only is the 25-year-old a clinical finisher but he is wonderful with the ball at his feet as well and very comfortable in tight spaces.
So, he does seem to have the qualities to play in the same role that Kyogo had at Celtic. There is one issue that needs to be pointed out though. There is a lot of difference in the system that the Hoops played with Postecoglou as manager and the one they do now with Brendan Rodgers at the helm.
Kyogo did not find as much success working with Rodgers. So, does it make sense to bring in someone with the aim of playing a similar role? Of course, this is all speculation at this point.