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.
