Former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi has made the switch to Polish champions Jagiellonia Białystok, signing a three-year deal with the option for a fourth season.
After making 25 appearances during his time there, the 24-year-old now moves on to the Ekstraklasa as he looks to reignite his European career.
Kobayashi first arrived at Celtic Park under Ange Postecoglou in early 2023, going straight into the starting XI for a comfortable win over St Mirren. But his involvement quickly tailed off. He played just six more matches in total, four in the Premiership and two in the cups, before being sidelined.
Physicality and consistency were key concerns during his time in Glasgow, and both Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers opted against including him in their plans.
Jagiellonia Białystok ma nowego zawodnika. Trzyletni kontrakt z opcją przedłużenia o kolejny rok z Żółto-Czerwonymi podpisał Yuki Kobayashi. Japończyk przeniósł się do naszego klubu na zasadach transferu definitywnego z portugalskiego @PortimonenseSAD. Stoper będzie występował z… pic.twitter.com/ws5RhxTP42
— Jagiellonia Białystok (@Jagiellonia1920) July 3, 2025
The defender made no competitive appearances in Rodgers’ first season back at the club.
His departure to Portugal came last summer, where he at least found regular minutes, but now the Polish top flight presents a new challenge.
Jagiellonia confirmed his arrival this week, adding the left-footed defender to their ranks ahead of their title defence.
While his Celtic spell proved brief and forgettable, Kobayashi will be hoping this latest move offers more stability and a chance to re-establish himself in European football.
