It took Celtic a number of weeks to make some meaningful strides in the transfer window but since taking to the market with a plan, Ange Postecoglou has strengthened the club’s ranks in remarkably impressive fashion.
One thing is for sure, if Eddie Howe became the Hoops manager at the start of the summer, they would not have the free scoring Kyogo Furuhashi tearing defences to shreds.
What’s the word?
Celtic have completed some extremely smart work this summer with a number of problem positions being improved.
Furuhashi has bolstered their options behind Odsonne Edouard up front while Liel Abada has replaced Moi Elyounoussi to complete perfection.
Carl Starfelt looks a capable replacement for Kristoffer Ajer and Josip Juranovic has now
arrived to give Anthony Ralston a helping hand on the right-hand side of defence, an area where they looked particularly light.
Yet, in light of taking to Japan to sign Furuhashi and lure Postecoglou to Glasgow, it’s an area they will hope to target again in the future.
The manager delivered an exciting claim on the matter in his pre-match press conference ahead of the St Mirren clash to
say: “I know the Japanese market very well.
"It's a tricky time because traditionally they are still mid-season. There's a lot of players I would love to have a look at closely and bring over but I know it would be almost impossible to get them out because clubs are still playing for the league or cup or (AFC) Champions League competitions. So they are very reluctant to let them go mid-season.”
The Australian
continued: "Traditionally it's always been easier to get them out in our winter break, which is their end of season.”
Fans must be elated
This is an incredibly niche market to exploit but it’s a claim from the boss that should leave supporters incredibly excited.
After all, if they can repeat their Furuhashi triumph and exploit a part of the world relatively unknown to many throughout European football, Celtic could stumble on a real recipe for success.
Kyogo has been a breath of fresh air for the Hoops and has defied many people’s expectations.
The forward was the
top scorer in the J-League this season before his move from Vissel Kobe but it was thought he’d need a period to adjust to Scottish football.
He’s needed very little time, however, taking to life at Parkhead like a duck to water. He scored on his continental debut against Jablonec and then fired in a brilliant
hat-trick on his Paradise debut.
Of course, not every player from that part of the world will end up like him but it does bode well for future endeavours.
Celtic had been linked with the likes of
Ao Tanaka and
Kaoru Mitoma this summer too. That was before the two players ended up penning temporary deals with clubs in Germany for the 2021/22 campaign.
There are gems to be found in Asian football and the Bhoys should have an advantage when it comes to signing them due to Postecoglou.
By the time the winter window comes around, supporters should be extremely excited about what they could achieve.