Celtic announce deal for Japanese defender Yuki Kobayashi

Celtic have announced the signing of Japanese defender Yuki Kobayashi.

The 22-year has signed a five-year deal after leaving Vissel Kobe and will officially join the club on January 1, 2023.

Ange Postecoglou has turned to the J-League again after the success of Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.

Yosuke Ideguchi has also joined the Hoops from Japan since the Australian boss took over.

Kobayashi is a central defender who has featured for his club side in Japan's top flight and the AFC Champions League.

He has also played for Japan's youth sides at international level.

Speaking to the official Celtic website, Kobayashi said: "I am so excited to be joining Celtic and I am really looking forward to this wonderful opportunity.

"I will be giving everything to try and be successful with the Club.

'Right across the world, everyone knows what a special club Celtic is and it will be a real honour to wear this fantastic jersey.'

“The work of Ange Postecoglou is also really well-known in Japan after he had such a great time in the J League, and as well as being part of Celtic I can’t wait to work with him as a coach and the great team of players he has already developed.

“I know that Celtic over so many years has such a brilliant track record of success and I now want to play my part in bringing more great moments to the Club and our fans.

"I would like to thank Vissel Kobe sincerely for all the support that has been given to me in the early part of my career and now I look forward to embracing this exciting new challenge with Celtic, one of the world’s great football clubs.”

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