Yuki Kobayashi’s start at Celtic has been modest and a little underwhelming. The defender has struggled in the game time he has gotten – not that there’s been much of it.

Signed from Vissel Kobe in January, the central defender arrived in Glasgow amid high expectations.

Tipped as a future international star in his homeland, Kobayashi was seen as a promising addition to Celtic’s backline. However, his journey at Celtic has been less than straightforward.

Kobayashi’s initial performances for Celtic were promising, showcasing his comfort with the ball at his feet. However, he wasn’t truly tested, and his performances haven’t lived up to the hype that surrounded his arrival when he featured towards the back end of last season.

The arrival of Maik Nawrocki, who is set to challenge Carl Starfelt for a place next to the brilliant Cameron Carter-Vickers, further complicates Kobayashi’s path to the first team.

With Brendan Rodgers back at the helm, Celtic’s strategy, particularly in terms of player development, could see some changes. Rodgers has a history of sending players out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience, as was the case with Kris Ajer, who was loaned to Kilmarnock during Rodgers’ first stint at Celtic.

Given Kobayashi’s current situation, a similar loan move could be beneficial. It would provide him with the opportunity to gain regular first-team minutes, something that seems unlikely at Celtic in the near future.

A loan move would also allow Kobayashi to adapt to the pace and physicality of Scottish football, which he has yet to demonstrate fully.

A loan move could be the key to unlocking Kobayashi’s potential and helping him fulfil the high expectations accompanying his arrival at Celtic. It’s a strategy that has worked for Celtic in the past, and it could work again with Kobayashi. Only time will tell if Rodgers and Celtic choose to take this route, but it’s certainly an option worth considering.