Latest news with #Kosugi
The National
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Celtic-linked left-back issues eight-word update on future
The 19-year-old currently plies his trade with Djurgarden in the Swedish top flight. Kosugi has played 48 times for the club over the past year and more. They reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League last season, only to be knocked out by eventual winners and recently crowned world champions, Chelsea. It was reported at the end of May that Celtic were one of a number of clubs interested in a move for Kosugi. He has since spoken on his future, with Djurgarden currently midway through their season: "Something could happen," he told "We have plenty of time." Read more: Celtic have already secured the services of one Japanese player this summer in the form of Hayato Inamura. Striker Shin Yamada is set to be the next, with him recently saying his goodbyes to Kawasaki Frontale ahead of a move to Parkhead: "When I played against Kashima Antlers (on July 6), it had already been decided," he told local media. "Yes (I was emotional), Taiki (Yamada) was there too, and players came to see me too. It had already been decided at that time. "I feel like I've become more emotional! I definitely feel like I cry more easily. "Today was a game, however, so I had mixed emotions. I was a bit embarrassed to be speaking in front of everyone there, so the tears didn't come." Yamada continued: "When I joined Kawasaki Frontale, I had a desire to go overseas. I thought that if I didn't make that decision, I wouldn't be able to get any closer to my goal of participating in the World Cup and winning it in Japan. So that's the decision I came to. "Of course, there are a lot of things that happen... I was hesitant... But I had no doubts about going (to Celtic)."
Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Djurgarden boss on Celtic-linked Keita Kosugi speculation
Celtic was reportedly interested in the Japanese defender at the end of last month. With Greg Taylor on the brink of joining Greek team PAOK, Brendan Rodgers needs back-up for the returning Kieran Tierney, and Kosugi could be a potential option. Jani Honkavaara, the manager of the Swedish top-flight side, said [Sportbladet via RecordSport]: "There have been rumours all along. Read more: "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. "We've sold for quite a lot of money. "I hope we can spend some money too." The 19-year-old helped Djurgården reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League last season, where they were ultimately defeated by Chelsea. He has established himself as a regular with Djurgarden, who currently sit ninth in the Allsvenskan, 12 games into the 2025 campaign. Kosugi's move to Sweden was just over a year ago.
The National
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
Celtic target's boss addresses transfer speculation
It was reported at the end of last month that the Parkhead club are one of a number of sides interested in a move for the Japanese defender. With Greg Taylor on the brink of joining Greek outfit PAOK, Brendan Rodgers needs back-up for the returning Kieran Tierney, and Kosugi could be a potential option. Read more: He plies his trade with Swedish top-flight side Djurgarden. Their manager, Honkavaara, recently addressed the transfer interest in his left back: "There have been rumours all along," he said of Kosugi [Sportbladet via RecordSport]. "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. "We've sold for quite a lot of money. I hope we can spend some money too. We'll see how it goes. It's been good money, but now maybe it's time to build something." Kosugi helped Djurgarden reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League last season, where they were ultimately defeated by Chelsea, who went on to win the competition. The 19-year-old only moved to Sweden just over a year ago, but has established himself as a regular with Djurgarden. His team currently sit ninth in the Allsvenskan, 12 games into the 2025 campaign.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic ‘set to battle PSG and Atalanta for Japanese wonderkid' as Brendan Rodgers adds versatile left-back to shortlist
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC are lining up a sensational swoop for another rising Japanese star, according to a report. Brendan Rodgers already has Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate in his squad but there used to be a Japanese quintet at Parkhead, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi all leaving in recent months. 2 The five Japanese players at Celtic in 2023 Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 The latest Japanese star believed to be on the Hoops' radar Credit: Getty But the Hoops boss could add another to his ranks as he's reportedly chasing a talented left-back. The left-back position is a concern for Rodgers in this upcoming transfer window despite the return of fan favourite Kieran Tierney. Greg Taylor is out of contract and Jeffrey Schlupp is set to leave the club following the end of his loan spell. But reports from Japan suggest Celtic have already got another replacement lined up. Sponichi claim the Scottish champions are interested in signing Djurgarden wonderkid Keita Kosugi. Kosugi, 19, moved to Europe just days after his 18th birthday following a successful trial with the Swedish outfit and he has impressed in the first team since. The teenager has played 29 games already this season - 11 of which came in the Europa Conference League. Djurgarden reached the semi-final of the competition before they were knocked out by Chelsea, with Kosugi playing in both legs. He showcased his versatility against the Premier League club as he was deployed at left-back on the first leg and on the right side for the return fixture. He also scored against Vikingur and Rapid Vienna earlier in the campaign. Celtic fans would never let their club die says Hoops hero Peter Grant The report states that while Celtic are interested, they could face a 'fierce battle' for the highly-rated defender's signature. It's stated Atalanta and PSG are both interested in Kosugi as well. And it's suggested the Champions League finalists are the favourites to sign him in the coming months. Meanwhile, Celtic are braced for big money offers for star man Daizen Maeda - with Jose Mourinho eyeing a summer swoop. Rodgers fears losing the Japanese attacker after his stunning season. And confirmed reports in Turkey have revealed the Fenerbahce boss has targeted Maeda, 27, after his 33-goal haul. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Glasgow Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Celtic 'interested' in left-back after impressive Europe run
The 19-year-old Japanese defender, who joined the Swedish club last year, has caught the attention of several clubs, including Celtic, according to Sponichi Soccer. Kosugi made a strong impression in Djurgardens' Allsvenskan and Conference League campaigns last season. Initially a back-up to Samuel Dahl, he became a key player after Dahl's transfer to Roma. Read more: 'Winner' Ange Postecoglou backed as Tottenham players beg club to keep him on Rangers 'hold talks' with Scottish Premiership star but deal on hold The young talent, who came through at Shonan Bellmare, is yet to make his first-team breakthrough but has represented Japan at under-17, under-19, and under-20 levels. The Hoops could face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta, who are also said to be keen on the left-back. Djurgardens' impressive performance in the Conference League, where they reached the semi-finals, has increased interest in their players. However, they were unable to make it past Chelsea in the semi-finals, losing 4-1 in the first leg and 1-0 in the second. Kosugi admitted to FotbollSkanalen: "I couldn't do anything to Madueke. "He was so good. "I tried to stop him but he created a lot anyway." He added: "He's one of the best wingers in the Premier League, so it's difficult to face him. "But if I want to get there (to that level) I have to develop a lot." Celtic may need a new left-back with Greg Taylor looking set to leave on a free transfer. Kieran Tierney is returning on a free transfer, but with Jeffrey Schlupp's loan ending, Tierney would be the only option in that position. Talks have been held with Schlupp over a possible permanent deal.
