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.
