Latest news with #Kosugi
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.
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Keita Kosugi a Celtic transfer target as 'fierce' 3 way battle emerges over rising star who dazzled against Chelsea
It's claimed the Hoops hold an interest in Djurgarden wonderkid who impressed against Chelsea in the Conference League Celtic are reportedly ready to land another rising Japanese star – but face a transfer battle with PSG and Atalanta to get him. Brendan Rodgers has made it abundantly clear he wants to freshen up his squad this summer with midfield and out wide two areas we understand they want to strengthen. But left-back is also a concern, with the returning Kieran Tierney the only player currently signed up to play that position next season. The latest from Japan though suggests the Hoops are looking to one of their rising stars to fill that void. Sponichi say they hold an interest in Djurgarden wonderkid Keita Kosugi with PSG and Atalanta also keen on the 19-year-old – with a 'fierce battle' expected for his signature. It's suggested that interest from Paris is the firmest in Kosugi, who is an U20 international with Japan but widely expected to break into the senior side in the foreseeable amid an impressive season in Sweden. He's played 29 games already this season, coming through an extensive Conference League campaign where he scored against Vikingur and Rapid Vienna. Most notably he started both legs against Chelsea in the semi-finals – playing the first leg at left-back and the second on the right – and caught the eye with his accomplished performances. He's been an ever-present in their ten league games so far and his value is rocketing with every passing week. Djurgarden's transfer record stands at the £8.4m they sold Lucas Bergvall to Spurs for last summer but their most expensive sale outside that was around the £4m mark so he's not expected to be a hugely expensive acquisition if he's signed this summer. Celtic of course have been no strangers to a Japanese signing in recent seasons having profited massively on Kyogo while Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda have become central players. Others like Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata struggled but this Kosugi having already proven himself in another European league, and played 11 games in UEFA competition already, may stand him apart as one who could make the grade. In total he's played 43 times for Djurgarden, scoring five and assisting two. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
