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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.
The National
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Celtic one of the clubs 'keen on' Djurgardens' Keita Kosugi
The Hoops are one of a number clubs said to be interested in the Japanese left-back, who has only been in Sweden for around a year, reports Sponichi Soccer. The 19 year old impressed in DIF's Allsvenskan campaign last season as well as during their Conference League campaign. After signing last year, he initially went in as back-up to Samuel Dahl and didn't get a lot of game time. However, he became a mainstay after Dahl's switch to Roma and went from strength to strength. Kosugi came through at Shonan Bellmare and hadn't yet made his first-team breakthrough before moving to Sweden in 2024. He is capped for his country at under-17s, 19s and 20s level. Read more: The date Kieran Tierney officially becomes a Celtic player again Arne Engels year one verdict & finding Cameron Carter-Vickers long-term partner PSG and Atalanta are also believed to be interested so Celtic could find it tough if they do decide to attempt to land the player. His club stunned Europe by reaching the semi-finals of the Conference League despite being unfancied but weren't able to make it past Chelsea to reach the final, losing 4-1 in the first leg and then 1-0 in the second. Speaking afterwards, the teenage full-back admitted he found Noni Madueke too hot to handle. He told FotbollSkanalen: 'I couldn't do anything to Madueke. He was so good. I tried to stop him but he created a lot anyway. "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 are likely to need a new left-back with Greg Taylor looking set to depart on a free transfer, with the offer of a new contract remaining unsigned. Kieran Tierney is coming in on a free transfer but with Jeffrey Schlupp's loan ending, the homecoming hero would be the only option in that position as it stands. Talks have been held with Schlupp over a possible permanent deal, his own deal at Crystal Palace up.
