Tomoki Iwata can’t wait to start his Celtic journey after singing from Yokohama F Marinos.
The J League Player of the Year reunites with Ange Postecoglou at Parkhead, having played under the Aussie in Japan, and makes the move to Glasgow to join compatriots Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Yuki Kobayahsi, who form a strong Samurai Blue contingent at the club.
Iwata has initially signed on loan until the end of the season. But the move will become permanent in the summer, when the versatile 25-year-old will pen a long-term deal with the Premiership champions. And Postecoglou is convinced that Iwata, who can operate in defence or in midfield, will prove a popular addition with the Celtic fans. The boss knows his latest addition well, and given the success of his other Japanese imports, the signing bodes well for player and club despite a big culture change for Iwata.
“We really are delighted to be bringing Tomoki to Celtic and I am sure he will be a player that our supporters will like,” said Postecoglou.
“He is a versatile player who can operate in defence in midfield, a really committed footballer with some great attributes. He is at a great age for us where his career is on the right trajectory, but he already has a good level of experience.
“He has just had a brilliant season, he is very deserving of the accolade he has recently received as Japan’s Player of the Year and we are sure he can also bring this real high level of quality to our squad.”
Iwata cited the club’s global reputation as a major factor in signing. He said: “I really am delighted to be joining Celtic, such a huge and successful club known across the world. I can’t wait to begin my journey with Celtic.
“I am really looking forward to getting started, to meet my new teammates and begin working on bringing our fans more and more success.”
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