Celtic confirm signing of Japanese trio

Celtic have announced the signing of three new Japanese players.

Forward Daizen Maeda joins from Yokohama F Marinos, initially on loan but with a compulsory purchase clause included which will see him sign a long-term deal.

Midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi arrives on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Gamba Osaka and the versatile Reo Hatate checks in from Kawasaki Frontale, also on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Celtic hope to have their trio of new recruits fully registered and available to join up with the squad in early January.

Ange Postecoglou, says:

“We are really pleased to bring in these guys to Celtic and I think they are players who will excite our fans.

"Clearly I am well aware of their attributes and I think in bringing all three to the club we are bringing even more quality, personality and energy to the squad to work with the players who have done so well for us already this season.

“They are all really at the peak of their careers, ambitious to achieve more success and I am sure at this particular time we will be getting their best years."

"I am delighted to have secured these players so early in the transfer window, I look forward to working with them and myself, my backroom team and the rest of the squad will be making sure we help them settle into Celtic as quickly as possible.”

• ssb