It simply never works out between certain clubs and players, and Celtic and Yosuke Ideguchi is one of those combinations. The Japanese midfielder joined the club in the middle of the 2021/22 season as part of a triple Celtic signing from the J. League.

‘Guchi’ came in alongside Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, and it is fair to say his two compatriots have majorly excelled in Glasgow compared to him. Maeda and Hatate have moulded into fans’ favourites, whereas Ideguchi has barely played.

From the start, Ideguchi’s struggles have been unfortunate, with a horror injury sustained in his maiden Hoops’ start keeping him out for most of his first six months in Glasgow. When the Bhoys returned for 2022/23, Ideguchi was ready to make an impact but never seemed to and fresh details as to why have now emerged.

According to Japanese outlet Sportiva Shueisha, a week before the start of the 2022/23 campaign, the now 26-year-old was ‘overwhelmed and collided with his equipment’. Due to this, he was kept out for a while and could not catch up to speed when he returned.

Being a few steps behind, it was tough for Yosuke to get back into the team. He requested a move away, which he eventually got. In January, Ideguchi joined J. League side Avispa Fukuoka on loan.

Back in his homeland, Ideguchi has made ten appearances, more than he has ever mustered for Celtic. He is due to return to Glasgow at the end of the calendar year, and when he does, he will still have two and a half years left on his deal. It will be intriguing to see how Rodgers and the club handle things when he returns.