---
title: "Celtic: Hoops backed to land Yuki Kobayashi signing"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-yuki-kobayashi-follow-up-spfl/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Thompson"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-11-09T21:35:35Z"
modified: "2022-11-09T21:35:35Z"
---

# Celtic: Hoops backed to land Yuki Kobayashi signing

**[Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) have been backed to secure a transfer deal for Vissel Kobe defender Yuki Kobayashi by [transfer insider](https://twitter.com/DeanJonesSoccer) Dean Jones.**

### The Lowdown: Celtic linked with Kobayashi

Last month, it was [reported](https://twitter.com/AnthonyRJoseph/status/1586998247482183681?s=20&t=YhCHpXSysPF_F2VDl6S2kQ) that the Hoops had opened talks with the Japanese club over potentially securing a deal for the 22-year-old in the mid-season transfer window.

Vissel Kobe, have since announced (via [Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/yuki-kobayashi-sparks-celtic-double-28419944)) that Kobayashi is poised to join Celtic on a free transfer when his contract expires in January.

The Bhoys have a track record when it comes to signing [players from Japan](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/celtic-glasgow/alletransfers/verein/371), with Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate all coming to Parkhead under Ange Postecoglou’s watch.

It now appears a firm possibility that Kobayashi, who missed out on Japan’s [World Cup squad](https://theathletic.com/3750665/2022/11/01/japan-world-cup-squad/), could be following his compatriots to Glasgow.

### The Latest: January deal for Kobayashi seems likely

Speaking to [GIVEMESPORT](https://www.givemesport.com/88081443-celtic-should-soon-sign-star-who-fans-will-be-excited-about), Jones is confident that Celtic will get a deal done for Kobayashi, who he believes would be a tremendous addition to Postecoglou’s squad.

The journalist said: “I think this one should go ahead, and Celtic fans should be excited by it.

“He’ll add a real steel to the squad and the team, and he can also dictate games, which is something that would be really interesting to see.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”410935″\]

### The Verdict: Could be useful for Celtic

Having made [32](https://fbref.com/en/squads/66f38ee7/Vissel-Kobe-Stats) appearances for his current club across their latest league campaign, Kobayashi ended the season with the third-highest number of interceptions ([44](https://fbref.com/en/squads/66f38ee7/Vissel-Kobe-Stats)) at the club, along with the fifth-highest number of successful tackles ([21](https://fbref.com/en/squads/66f38ee7/Vissel-Kobe-Stats)).

This showcases the defensive talent that he has and highlights the real steel that Jones reckons the 22-year-old could bring to Postecoglou’s side.

\[freshpress-poll id=”415034″\]

Even though Celtic already have [four](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/celtic-glasgow/kadernachposition/verein/371) centre-backs in their squad, it’s clear that the Japanese defender could be a useful addition to their ranks, especially if any of their current squad members pick up injury problems.

If the Bhoys manage to being the 22-year-old to Parkhead once the winter transfer window opens, this could be a very smart prospective signing for the club.