Reports linking Celtic with Japanese full-back Keita Kosugi have stepped up this week. Djurgården’s manager Jani Honkavaara has broken his silence on the growing speculation.
The Swedish club boss confirmed that there has been serious attention on the 19-year-old defender, though he insists there have been no talks or formal bids at this stage.
The left-back position has been a key area for Celtic this window. With the impending departure of Greg Taylor to PAOK, Celtic will be looking to bring in a top-quality left-back.
Left-back cover will be crucial going into next season so that the club can manage the minutes of injury-prone Kieran Tierney.
Kosugi has impressed in Sweden’s Allsvenskan since joining Djurgården in January. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Celtic reportedly monitoring his progress as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of a demanding domestic and European campaign.
Jani Honkavaara said: “When we had a good season in Europe, there was a lot of interest. He’s a good player and if we lose him we have to find a replacement.” [Sportbladet via RecordSport]
Celtic are likely to face competition from all over Europe for the signature of the highly rated left-back, with the deal expected to cost the club over £5 million.
Kosugi fits the profile Celtic have targeted in recent years: young, technically gifted, and with high upside. Whether the Hoops make a move remains to be seen, but Djurgården are bracing for approaches.
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Yes looks good but we have said that before you need a specail player to play in front of Celtic park atmosphere its win or bust and if you dont enjoy that atmosphere its hard I always thought some players were affected with it defenders are more inderpressure in the spl if you play for Celtic just hitting the ball out for safety isn’t Celtic way and the supporters tell you attack attack for 90 minutes against a team that have ten men back and hope to get a break and hope the home support get frustrated Celtic supporters know how opposition in our league play and are patient but time waisting allowed by officails who can’t stick to rule book there is certain referee in Scotland you know you going make it hard for Celtic hopefully new goalkeeping laws help but will our refs be punished if not applying them football is entertainment if referees stick to rule book so let games begin