Scottish champions Celtic have already acted swiftly to wrap up three winter deals in order to aid their push towards the title, although manager Ange Postecoglou has teased more incomings after admitting that the Parkhead outfit need to “strengthen further“.
One potential new recruit could well be that of Shimizu S Pulse sensation, Yuito Suzuki, with reports in his native Japan (via the Daily Record) revealing that the 21-year-old is being monitored by the Old Firm giants.
The 5 foot 9 wing wizard was also reportedly a target for the Glasgow side during the summer window, with a move to Europe having been mooted for the playmaker over the past year or so, as a result of his standout form of late.
Although the promising youngster – who can feature on the flanks or in an attacking midfield role – only boasts a haul of six goals and four assists in his 93 senior outings to date, the Japan U21 international was particularly impressive during the latest J-League season, with five goal involvements in 20 appearances.
That creative quality was also evident as the emerging starlet – who has been compared to former Liverpool man Takumi Minamino – created seven big chances in total in the league, while also averaging 1.1 key passes per game.
Lauded as a “really interesting” asset by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it would appear that Suzuki is set for a bright future in the game, with the hope being that Postecoglou can maximise that potential if the Hoops are to make a concrete approach in the coming weeks.
Should Celtic sign Yuito Suzuki?
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The title-winning coach could also have the makings of a devastating attacking duo with the Shimizu ace on one flank and compatriot Daizen Maeda on the opposite side, with the latter man currently thriving for the Scottish Premiership.
The 25-year-old speedster – who arrived at Paradise on an initial loan deal a year ago – has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, having registered a goal or an assist in each of his last three league outings, as well as getting on the scoresheet during Saturday’s League Cup semi-final triumph over Kilmarnock.
That latest, somewhat fortuitous strike has ensured that the former Yokohama F. Marinos man now has seven goals and five assists to his name in 28 games in all competitions this term, having been a “real handful” at times, as per ex-Bhoys striker Chris Sutton.
Having been described as a “nightmare” to play against by pundit Rio Ferdinand following his displays for his country at the World Cup, Maeda is clearly a figure who can strike fear into the opposition with his relentless speed and dynamism.
Combining those traits with the creative quality of Suzuki – who is said to idolise Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne – could well offer real versatility to Postecoglou’s attack, with it truly mouthwatering to imagine the two men lining up together in the green and white jersey.
